Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Mark Welsh told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday that the Air Force needs to do a better job of connecting with Congress. “I think there is a trust problem the Air Force must address,” said Welsh, current US Air Forces in Europe commander, during his nomination hearing. “I think that intel is good,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in response. (Welsh’s responses to advance questions)
The Pentagon released its new National Defense Strategy late Jan. 23, emphasizing a new commitment to the Western Hemisphere. But while that focus garnered most of the headlines, the strategy’s subtle shifts on China raise questions about how the Trump administration aims to leverage U.S. military power in the Indo-Pacific.
