The 
nation faces “some tough choices ahead” when it comes to fielding major new weapons systems that are now just in their infancy, like the Air Force’s next bomber and Navy’s future ballistic missile submarine, said Defense Secretary Robert Gates Wednesday. “Is the Air Force, in fact, in 2020 or 2025 going to be able to afford a new tanker, an F-35, and a new penetrating bomber?” he asked during his appearance before the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the Pentagon’s spending request for Fiscal 2012. Such issues, “worry me a lot,” said Gates. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.) sought Gates’ views on how the committee could best prepare to deal with the US military’s force structure challenges. Gates said these issues are “not facing us right now” and the Pentagon is establishing the foundation in terms of investments to give future Presidents and Congresses choices. “But down the road, when procurement starts, there are going to be some very tough decisions that are going to have to be made,” he explained.
Top Lawmakers Want 15 Percent Pay Raise for Enlisted Troops
April 19, 2024
A new law introduced by Congress would raise the pay rate 15 percent for junior enlisted troops and seek improvements on a range of quality of life issues, such as pay and compensation, child care, housing, health care access, and military spouse employment.