As a result of the cutbacks enforced by sequestration the USAF began standing down active-duty combat units on April 9 to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness. Air Combat Command has confirmed that 17 combat squadrons will stand down until October 1 (the end of the fiscal year), either immediately or, in the case of deployed units, as soon as they return home. According to the USAF the cuts must be implemented in order to fly approximately 45,000 fewer training hours than previously scheduled, barring any changes to current levels of funding.
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