When asked what airmen consider their top concerns, CMSAF Gerald Murray told lawmakers last week that for the active force the top issues are “pay and compensation.” He said that housing would be No. 3. However, for the reserve components, Murray said the top two military concerns are health care and retirement. USAF’s top enlisted man noted, too, that airmen today are taking note that the Pentagon plans to raise Tricare fees. While Murray said that he agrees with the move, he acknowledged that it is “up on the scope” and “going to come up more in this year.”
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
