As we reported Friday, the Senate on Oct. 22 approved the conference report for the Fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill, and, since the House had passed the legislation on Oct. 8, the policy bill now goes to President Obama for signature. Lawmakers expressed their concern on several airpower issues, including the fighter gaps facing the Air National Guard and the Navy. The bill would slow the Air Force plan to retire some 250 legacy fighters in 2010, requiring no action until 30 days after the service provides a detailed report on how it expects to address shortages in ANG’s air sovereignty alert mission. It also authorizes the Navy to enter a new multiyear agreement to purchase additional F/A-18 fighters to address current and forecasted shortfalls in strike fighters. (Conference report summary and full report, large file)
Unit commanders are being told to separate service members who can’t shave their cheeks and chin for medical reasons for more than a year, according to new guidance from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
