As others had before them, BRAC commissioners criticized the timing of the 2005 base closure and realignment process, saying, in a chapter titled “Issues for Further Consideration,” which begins on p. 305 of their final report, that they had conducted their work “during a national strategic debate with an uncertain outcome.” They are referring, of course, to the ongoing Quadrennial Defense Review—now not due to be completed till after the New Year. Essentially, say the commissioners, their analysis rested on the 2001 QDR—a lot has changed since then. (Need bedtime reading? Here’s the final report.)
The two prototypes for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program have started ground testing, Air Force Chief Staff Gen. David W. Allvin announced May 1, ahead of a planned first flight this summer.