The Colorado Springs Gazette reports that the Air Force Academy is trying to turn the school’s athletic department into a nonprofit organization, sending Athletic Director Hans Mueh and Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni to talk last week with Congressional staffers about appropriate legislation. Apparently, the effort has been underway for about three years, as the academy seeks ways to maintain its sports coffers in the face of a major deficit that led to cuts in operations. (Earlier Gazette report) Mueh told the newspaper that he believes the legislation, which should be finalized next month, could be approved by March 2009.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…