January 26, 2012

Pentagon leaders outline budget cuts stemming from the new defense strategy and planned reduction of $487 billion over the next 10 years; USAF cuts include eliminating six tactical air squadrons and one training squadron, retiring a number of aircraft (including 102 A-10s, 21 f-16s, all A model C-5s, and 65 of the oldest C-130s), divesting the 38 C-27J transport fleet, and reducing end strength in the Total Force (some 3,900 Active; 5,100 ANG; 900 AFRC over five years).