It’s still undecided when and how the Pentagon will incorporate nuclear weapons on the F-35, said Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements. Speaking with reporters after an AFA-sponsored speech Tuesday in Arlington, Va., Carlisle said making the F-35 a “dual-capable” aircraft is “a discussion for the future.” He declined to discuss specifics, saying only, “it’s still a decision to be made as to when we incorporate that into the F-35.” Carlisle’s comments echoed those made last fall by Maj. Gen. William Chambers, who oversees nuclear issues on the Air Staff. (For more Carlisle coverage, see: Reapers and Sentinels and F-35 Numbers.)
Congress is making moves to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but lawmakers have only a few days left to clear the procedural hurdles necessary to ensure troops get paid Nov. 14. The issue is particularly pressing for tens of thousands of uniformed personnel in the Air National…


