Air Force Leadership Stresses Modernization and Timely Congressional Funding

Air Force Leadership Stresses Modernization and Timely Congressional Funding
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 22, 2024

During a House committee meeting on April 17, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, along with top leaders from the Air Force and Space Force, emphasized the urgent need for Congress to provide timely and predictable funding to defend the nation effectively against modern threats.

Kendall, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman reiterated their previously stated views, aligning closely with their remarks to the Senate Armed Services Committee and a Senate Appropriations subcommittee earlier. Kendall highlighted the detrimental effects of funding delays, stating, "The six-month delay has had a real impact. That time cannot be recovered, but at least we can now move forward with our urgent modernization priorities."

Kendall expressed a sense of urgency in the race for military technological superiority, emphasizing, "Time is my greatest concern - we are in a race for military technological superiority with a capable pacing challenge. Our cushion is gone - we are out of time."

In an illustrative departure from his remarks, Kendall referenced Iran's recent attack on Israel using over 300 ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles to emphasize the stakes in competing with China, stating, "What Iran encountered was a highly contested environment. And what we face with China is a highly contested environment."

Kendall, Allvin, and Saltzman also discussed the Department's $217.5 billion budget request for fiscal year 2025, explaining the trade-offs and how the budget aligns with the nation's broader national security strategy. They stressed the importance of having a new budget in place on time to meet strategic and immediate threats.

Allvin noted, "The simultaneous demands of strategic competition with an aggressive and increasingly capable China and persistent, acute threats from around the globe require the Air Force to maximize the readiness of today's forces, while adapting our structures and processes to offer the best opportunity to prevail in an environment of enduring great power competition."

Saltzman highlighted the Space Force's strategy to integrate commercial space firms to accelerate mission achievement and technological advancements. He emphasized the critical role of space superiority, stating, "Without it, we cannot deter conflict, provide vital effects, or protect the joint force."

The House hearing, which lasted nearly 2 0.5 hours, covered various topics including the utility of the nuclear triad, Space Force's recruitment and retention strategies, and potential changes in the organization and management of space functions currently assigned within the Air National Guard.

Kendall reaffirmed the validity of the nuclear triad and discussed the benefits of a new law that allows for more flexible management of part-time Guardians within the Space Force, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.