The base-closure explosion that shook the country last Friday threw so many burning chunks in so many directions that no one can quite peg the winners and losers yet. All parties suffered, but who came out ahead—USAF leaders, who sought to consolidate and shrink Air National Guard assets, or the state governors and adjutants general, who vigorously resisted that effort? The BRAC commission wrapped up work late Friday with its decisions on ANG bases and units. Yet it hasn’t filed its public report, and neither the Pentagon nor Air Force have issued statements of satisfaction or disappointment. We will have more on this as detailed results become available. As can be seen below, however, neither side escaped unbloodied. The future now promises lawsuits, recriminations, and protests.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.