Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is seeking feedback from service members on the Fiscal 2015 budget proposal, which he and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined on Monday, according to a YouTube video posted on his Facebook account. Specifically, Dempsey wants to hear from troops on proposed compensation changes and healthcare changes, though he set aside any discussion regarding retirement pending the results of a review board. “We have to make some changes in order to keep the force balanced,” said Dempsey. He added, “Our commitment is if we do this, we’ll stay in touch with you and listen to what you have to say.” Although the two-year budget deal has temporarily mitigated the impacts of sequestration, it is still law so change is inevitable, he cautioned. “You can’t just dig in and say, ‘No change,’” said Dempsey. However, “We want to make sure we’re making the right changes, and we only want to do it once.” (AFPS report)
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles have roared out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass., for the last time. The 104th Fighter Wing’s last three F-15Cs departed the base Oct. 23 for the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., ending the aircraft's era on the frontlines of homeland defense.
