The Air Force has launched a new initiative dubbed “contracts court,” aimed at reducing the overall number of contracts issued by the Air Force each year, Secretary Deborah Lee James said during a Dec. 16 open door session with airmen across the force. Under the new program, senior leaders have been required to justify the need for all contracts. If, during the defense of the particular item or service, “It doesn’t appear that it is necessary going forward, then perhaps we need to do without it,” said James in response to a video question from an airmen. “We have reduced contractors over the last year and I predict that we will continue to do so in the future.” The system was implemented approximately six months ago “to make sure we are making every dollar count.” The town hall session sought to answer questions from both airmen and the general public via social media. (See also James: No Involuntary Force Management in 2015.)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
