If Congress is adamant that the Air Force not take down as much force structure or people as proposed in the service’s Fiscal 2013 budget, lawmakers must come up with the cash to sustain the personnel and weapon systems or the Air Force will be hurt, said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz Tuesday. Speaking at a Stimson Center event in Washington, D.C., Schwartz said he has told Congress, “If you give us force structure back, give us the money, too. Because the quickest way I know to a hollow force is to give us structure without money. Simple as that.” Schwartz said the Air Force recognizes that Congress gets to decide, but “we are not rolling over. We will make our best arguments” for the package as presented, “as we should.” However, if force structure is retained, Congress must also give the money for exercises, flying hours, and sustainment, he said. “‘Make it work’ is not a satisfactory solution,” asserted Schwartz during his May 1 talk.
USAFE, AMC, AFMC Could Lose 4-Star Commanders
Aug. 1, 2025
At least three high-profile four-star Air Force commands could be downgraded to three-star roles, as the Pentagon presses to shrink the number of generals throughout the Department of Defense, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.
