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Officials summarize impacts of sequestration on AETC
Posted 2/8/2013 Updated 2/8/2013
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by Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
2/8/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Cuts to flying and technical training, Professional Military Education and recruiting are some of the actions the Air Education and Training Command will take if budget sequestration goes into effect March 1.
Congress has the power to prevent sequestration, a series of automatic cuts to government agencies totaling $1.2 trillion over the course of 10 years.
AETC officials have already implemented near-term measures, such as limiting travel and supplies, hiring restrictions and curtailing non-readiness flying, to help reduce spending and mitigate budget risks. Officials continue to plan in order to minimize harmful mission impacts resulting from the ongoing budget uncertainty and impending sequestration.
"We develop America's Airmen today, for tomorrow," said General Edward A. Rice Jr., AETC commander. "In order for us to be successful, we have to continuously plan for the future and ensure mission execution no matter what conditions we operate under."
All areas within AETC could be impacted by sequestration. There will be substantial cuts to funding for national advertising for recruiting and commissioning programs such as ROTC. Professional Military Education and Readiness training quotas will be reduced. Advanced pilot and instructor training courses will be curtailed beginning April 1 in order to protect initial flying training, which is expected to stand down in late August or early September. If Congress fails to act and the automatic cuts are enacted, AETC will start implementing actions as soon as March 1.
"We will continue to do the very best we can with the resources we have," Rice said. "That said, sequestration will be harmful to the Air Force and to AETC and I hope it can be avoided."
Although there are many cuts in the future, the Office of the Secretary of Defense has directed the protection of funding for wartime operations and wounded warrior programs. To the extent possible, protection will also be afforded to programs associated with Airmen's families and the new defense strategy.
Looking ahead, the Air Force will continue to balance competing defense needs among the size of its force structure, today's readiness and modernization for the future.
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