Budget sequestration’s return would impact combat support services that special operations forces and counterterrorism activities rely on, like logistics and, in particular, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance work, warned Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict Michael Lumpkin on Tuesday. “We don’t have enough ISR, and we do the best with what we have,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee’s emerging threats panel. Any cutbacks to the number of overhead ISR orbits supporting combatant commanders around the world would affect those operations, he said. Reduced ISR means less visibility and “fidelity” in areas where SOF forces operate, and over time, would affect counterterrorism work, too, he said. Lumpkin also highlighted the need for SOF aircraft modernization. Even though the services buy special-mission aircraft, US Special Operations Command makes modifications to them, he said. Reduced funding means the services would purchase airplanes at a slower rate, which would have “long-term impacts for capabilities,” said Lumpkin. (Lumpkin’s written testimony)
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.
