The Air Force has implemented a more restrictive, 90-day civilian hiring freeze in the face of deeper-than-expected reductions to the Fiscal 2012 defense budget, according to a memo signed last week by Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Philip Breedlove and Undersecretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton. Officials implemented hiring controls three months ago, but Fiscal 2012 funding levels still don’t match up with the “on-board strength.” As of Aug. 11, senior leaders implemented a 90-day hiring freeze for all permanent, temporary, and term vacancies, with few exceptions. “The Air Force recognizes the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce; however, we must address the current fiscal environment affecting the nation, the Department of Defense, and the services of all federal agencies,” according to the Aug. 11 memo to the major commands.
RTX, parent of Raytheon, Collins and Pratt & Whitney, is getting out of the space prime business and focusing on its "strengths" as a maker of space sensors, buses, and components, company COO Chris Calio said during an earnings call.