The Air Force plans to “lead by example” in beginning its coming manpower cuts. Chief of Staff, Gen. Michael Moseley, said Thursday morning that reductions to the service’s general officer rolls will be among the first cuts USAF makes to its end strength. He estimates that the service will eliminate 30 to 32 general officer positions, consisting of a to-be-determined mixture of one-star and two-star billets. USAF plans to slash about 50,000, by the latest count,—a mix of active, reserve, and civilian personnel.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.