The National Guard is “ideally suited” for peacekeeping missions, said Amb. David Satterfield, director general of the Multinational Force and Observers. “You have proved yourself in the most challenging of combat situations around the world, and you are proving yourself in this non-combat, but still extraordinarily challenging mission,” said Satterfield. MFO is the international organization with responsibility for overseeing the peace between Egypt and Israel in the Sinai Peninsula. Last week, he hosted a troop visit and fact-finding tour there led by Gen. Craig McKinley, National Guard Bureau chief. “This is not . . . a kinetic undertaking. It requires a different set of skills,” said Satterfield. He continued, “The Guard has performed superbly.” Members of the Maryland and Missouri National Guard are currently in the Sinai supporting MFO. The Guard has been the lead American MFO contributor for almost a decade, said Satterfield. (El Gorah report by Army SSgt. Jim Greenhill)
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
