Gordon R. England, the prospective deputy secretary of defense, has launched a study aimed at further slashing the future size of the US military's fighter fleet. The terms of the study indicate a clear intent to make deeper cuts in the already truncated F/A-22 and F-35 programs to reduce defense spending. In an Aug. 4 memo to the service Secretaries, England said he had commissioned a study headed by the firm of Whitney, Bradley, & Brown, Inc., to "facilitate greater optimization of tactical aircraft." The goal of the study, England said, will be to "identify capabilities and efficiencies" resulting from rationalizing "Air Force, Navy, Marine, National Guard, and Reserve TACAIR." The company will have support from the vice chiefs of staff of the services and report directly to England and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
展开▼
