The Air Force’s top personnel officer told lawmakers Thursday that although the service plans to “reassess” where it ends up in terms of end strength, “we’re not asking for a change in the cycle.” Appearing before the House Armed Services military personnel panel, Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, explained that the 2008 budget proposal includes personnel cuts that will take the service to 316,000 active duty airmen. “We’re on the path to 316,” said Brady, adding that this summer service leaders will be “looking at where we go in ’09.”
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…