The Air Force Reserve will see a lot of new changes if Congress approves the Defense Department’s Fiscal 2015 budget request. Specifically, the budget seeks to “increase the number of Reserve fighter wings equipped with F-16 fighters, create a classic associate B-1 bomber group, increase the number of Reserve KC-135 tankers, inactivate the Reserve airlift wing at Pope Field, N.C., retire the A-10 fighters, and inactivate the Reserve’s E-3 AWACS classic associate group,” states a March 10 release. “These force structure changes are significant, but they ensure the Air Force Reserve remains an integrated, flexible, and combat-ready force,” said Brig. Gen. Buck Waldrop, Air Force Reserve Command director of plans, programs, and requirements. The Reserve also could expect to see a decrease of 4.7 percent in its authorized end strength, dropping from 70,400 to 67,100, states the release. Since most Reservists serve part-time, “I will ensure that Reserve leaders at every level are doing everything they can to help Reservists through the transition,” said AFRC Commander Lt. Gen. James Jackson.
Multiple B-21s are undergoing ground tests and being prepared to join the two aircraft now in test flight, and the Northrop Grumman is negotiating with the Air Force about how expanded production for the bomber could be accomplished, president and CEO Kathy Warden said Oct. 21. She also suggested a…
