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| News > SECAF addresses current, future challenges for Air Force |
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Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley speaks at the Air Force
Association's 2011 Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 18,
2011. He discussed the Air Force's future budget outlook and the importance
of supporting Airmen and their families while at the same time protecting
the ability of the service to sustain core missions and capabilities. (U.S.
Air Force Photo/Lou Hernandez)
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SECAF addresses current, future challenges for Air Force
Posted 11/21/2011
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by Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Williams Jr.
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
11/21/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley addressed approximately 300 Airmen, industry officials and Air Force Association members in a keynote speech at the AFA's Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, Nov. 18.
During his remarks, the secretary provided symposium attendees with an update on the Air Force today and its future budget outlook.
Donley said part of the Air Force's planning for a more constrained defense budget started with former Secretary Gates' initiative to root out waste and improve efficiency and effectiveness. Through this effort, Air Force officials identified $33 billion in efficiencies, which the service was allowed to reinvest across the future years defense plan.
"The planning behind these efficiencies is coming to fruition with the start of fiscal year 2012, and we are depending on Airmen in every command and activity, and on every contractor with whom we work, to help us reduce our costs of operation and make us more efficient in what we do," Donley said. "But in this budget environment, we know that efficiencies will not be enough."
Donley said though it will be tough to achieve the $450 billion in defense spending reductions over 10 years required by the Budget Control Act, they are considered achievable as Defense Department officials review the department's roles and missions and examines all areas of the budget for savings.
"To get these savings, we will need to accept greater risk in some areas, terminate some lower priority programs, streamline others, continue driving efficiency in our operations and make some tough choices about the core tenets of our national security strategy," he said.
The secretary acknowledged that there's a great deal of uncertainty right now as the Air Force moves through the budget reduction process, but assured the audience that multiple leadership meetings are taking place throughout the Pentagon at the highest levels to discuss the matter. Furthermore, he said that President Obama, the Secretary of Defense, combatant commanders and the service secretaries and chiefs are discussing future national security requirements.
"We are working through the implications that budget reductions and shifting priorities will have on our national security strategy," Donley said. "While there are many unanswered questions right now, and no final decisions have been made, a number of alternative plans and options are being considered.
"It's safe to say that every single line of the budget is under scrutiny," he said. "We are approaching the conclusion of our strategic review and will shortly begin finalizing major program decisions that will be consistent with the revised strategy and will get the most out of available resources."
Donley also said, importantly, both Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey have made a commitment to ensure the U.S. military has everything it needs to protect national security at a time of considerable fiscal challenges.
In his remarks, the secretary also addressed the importance of supporting Airmen and their families while at the same time protecting the ability of the Air Force to sustain its core missions and capabilities.
"Despite the daunting strategic challenges and uncertain defense funding outlook ahead, the Air Force is committed to charting a path that fulfills vital Air Force missions today and in the future while staying true to our Airmen and their families," he said.
Donley said there are certain capabilities the service will protect and that he and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz are determined to set the right course to make the right investments so that the Air Force evolves in positive directions, even with limited resources.
"First and foremost, we must continue to support our military personnel and families who serve this nation," he said. "But with about 35 to 40 percent of our Air Force budget committed to personnel costs, and with areas like the cost of medical care of growing concern, everything needs to be on the table for consideration. Our obligation to those who serve is to ensure that the compensation and benefits they earn are sustainable for the Air Force over the long haul.
"Any potential changes to our military retirement system must be carefully considered to make sure we retain the highly motivated and experienced workforce necessary to execute the Air Force mission," Donley said. "As Secretary Panetta has indicated, this would include grandfathering the current force where appropriate."
Donley also took a moment to address concerns about the care of fallen service members at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation at the Dover Port Mortuary.
"The proper care of our fallen service members and their families is more than a critical mission -- it is a sacred trust," he said. "The Air Force is accountable to our joint teammates and to the families to carry out this mission with dignity, honor, respect and reverence. The highest standards of mission performance are required and expected by the American people."
After reports by employee whistleblowers alleging improper handling and preparation of remains at Dover Port Mortuary, the Air Force inspector general initiated an investigation in June 2010.
Donley said he and General Schwartz take personal responsibility and sincerely regret the lapses in standards at the Dover Port Mortuary.
"We deeply regret the pain this has caused to the families," he said. "There is no question that the system was broken. It is our responsibility to fix, and I can attest that corrective action is well underway."
He said a new commander has been in place at Dover mortuary for the past year, policies and procedures have been improved, and internal labor relations are being rebuilt.
"These changes will put this mission on a better path for the future," Donley said. "I have also been directed by Secretary Panetta to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action was taken in regard to the Dover mortuary -- a charge I take very seriously. Our review will be exceedingly thorough and rigorous, as our fallen and the families they leave behind deserve nothing less."
In addition, an independent panel of the Defense Health Board will review the adequacy and effectiveness of the Air Force's corrective actions and will make recommendations for further improvements.
"The professional staff at Dover takes great pride in their solemn duty to care for America's fallen," Donley said. "I want to assure all Americans -- most particularly service members and military families -- that our fallen are being treated, and will continue to be treated, with the utmost reverence, dignity, and respect."
The Air Force is committed to earning and rebuilding the public's confidence in its stewardship of this sacred mission, he said.
click here to view the speech in it's entirety.
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