AF leaders: Sequestration, more budget cuts will be devastating

News > AF leaders: Sequestration, more budget cuts will be devastating

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AF leaders: Sequestration, more budget cuts will be devastating

Posted 2/8/2013 Updated 2/14/2013

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by Master Sgt. Jess D. Harvey
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

2/8/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Sequestration would leave the Air Force with untrained people, a lack of equipment and be "devastating" to the service, officials said Feb. 7.

The warning echoes what Department of Defense officials have stated for months about across-the-board defense cuts, in addition to an ongoing continuing resolution.

"Now that we're staring at that possibility in less than a month, I can tell you, they were right," said Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. Larry Spencer, during a media roundtable at the Pentagon.

The meeting was aimed at discussing the toll that ongoing fiscal insecurity and looming sequestration are taking on the force.

"We understand the national imperative of economic strength and getting the fiscal house in order," said Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin. "And we recognize that the Air Force is not going to be exempt from the sort of budgetary austerity that is a part of a balanced approach to getting the national fiscal house in order."

Although Air Force leaders have already taken steps to meet budgetary reductions, the impacts that will occur from sequestration put the service at risk.

"Those cuts from sequestration, as has been said over and over again, are going to be devastating; they're going to be dangerous," Morin said.

Morin and Spencer, among others, laid out a set of near term actions the service is taking to hedge against the potential of sequestration. They included limiting training, facility maintenance and curbing spending.

"The actions we're taking (now) are focused on things that we see as reversible and not damaging to direct combat capability," Morin said. "Nevertheless they are disruptive to a whole host of Air Force priorities."

According to Morin and Spencer, if sequestration does happen, the Air Force will have to take additional and likely irreversible actions. One such measure is to halt all but emergency facility repairs across the force.

"That results in a 90 percent reduction in those expenditures through the rest of the fiscal year," Morin said. More than 400 projects across more than 140 bases are affected by this measure, but it only equates to about $2.9 billion in savings.

Sequestration, if it occurs, will cause a $12.4 billion shortfall for fiscal year 2013. That is compounded by a potential sequestration shortfall of $1.8 billion in overseas contingency operations.

"We've taken a series of initial actions, but those actions don't come close to covering $12.4 billion," Morin said. "There's a lot more we'd have to do."

For example, Morin said the reductions to the weapons systems sustainment account is going to drive an approximately one-third reduction in depot workload in fiscal year 2013.

But, like many other actions that may take place under sequestration, depot maintenance is something that will have cascading effects. Aircraft overdue for depot maintenance will be grounded until funds become available to service them later on.

So it's going to push back that maintenance into a sort of bow-wave that will continue into fiscal year 2014 and beyond, according to Morin, resulting in serious inefficiency and reduction in operational capabilities.

But of major interest to the sequestration is the potential furlough of civilian employees. The Air Force currently has more than 180,000 civilian Airmen, with many locations where those civilian Airmen make up the majority, if not all of the workforce.

Spencer related a conversation he'd had with a wing commander.

The commander was "extremely concerned about what will happen to his work force since his entire maintenance team consists of government civilians," Spencer said.

The military relies heavily on the expertise of its civilian Airmen and furlough would seriously limit the Air Forces ability to do the mission and would have a hugely negative impact on morale.

"This sort of unprecedented furlough action would put at risk mission accomplishment in a whole host of areas," Morin said. "It's a breach of faith with the civilian Airmen who are critical to the success of the Air Force."

They also stressed the woes sequestration will have for the already difficult modernization programs.

"Unless we get substantial reprogramming flexibility we will see damage to programs like the KC-46 tanker, the F-35 -- all in an environment where we've been bending over backwards to try and create stability," Morin said. "That means delayed capabilities to the Airmen who are waiting for it, and it means increased cost to the taxpayer."

In the long term, Morin said, the nation is going to have "some pretty serious conversations about defense strategy, about what we ask of our armed forces and of what set of capabilities the nation needs to provide required national security."

"Sequestration has us looking a month from now, a week from now, a day from now," Morin said. It's like driving down a highway at 70 miles an hour, staring right in front of your hood ornament; it's not a recipe for success."

Comments

2/15/2013 4:14:27 PM ET
Don't forget the cascading impact that furloughing will have on the economies of the cities where government workers reside and the impact on the US recovery from the recession. Agree with other comments that at this time the Government needs to look at cutting programs to reach realistic goals without impacting the part of the population that works diligently to support the AF and DoD missions.

SS, CONUS

2/15/2013 10:56:12 AM ET
You need to get out of Kadena don't leave any of US equipment Kadena is costing a great deal of money for no reason. Also if you would pull our troops back home and stop spending money in foreign countries then you would not have to cut jobs here. Why keep buying from China with US money

DoD Civilian, Utah

2/15/2013 7:51:17 AM ET
For Shame Mike...are you really stooping to the use of logic Where will that get you Seriously I have seen this mismanagement of funds for over 40 years. Its not new and the reason has always been...if I don't spend it now my budget will be cut next year. There are good reasons why there are left over pckets of meny at the end of the year. Project cancellation is high on the list. Too often a project is scheduled to begin but slips for various reasons. The need for the money. We need the ability to readly carry funds over and we need the ability to return funds without being penalized in future budgets.

SNCO Ret, Scott

2/15/2013 6:53:59 AM ET
We have done this to ourselves. The completely ridiculous EOY spending which encourages us to waste money instead of save it the splurging TDY's and all sorts of other wasteful programs have caused us to get to this point. But even with all that it is still eclipsed by the government's overall spending problem which Nancy Pelosi said doesn't exist. How is she still in office Oh and lets not forget how we keep giving money to support more and more illegal immigrants welfare recipients and our enemies overseas like Pakistan while the dems want to say the rich don't pay their fair share of taxes. Ask Californians if they don't pay their fair share. Highest tax rate in the country and the state is broke. Someone not Bush got re-elected with the worst economic record since the great depression and wants to blame everyone but his own horrible policies. Get ready America it won't be long before we're done.

SC, OCONUS

2/14/2013 10:29:54 PM ET
Dr. Zaruba is on it. The checkbook never has to be balanced since no one is in charge until now.

Never In Civilian Land, Never in Civilian Land

2/14/2013 9:28:17 PM ET
This wouldn't be half the problem it is going to be if we'd just cut our losses on that money pit that is the F-35. For some reason this program has become a Sacred Cow and decision-makers are more willing to sacrifice training and operational readiness at the expense of an excessive inflated acquisition program. It's a shame too because in my opinion those two areas should be the untouchable ones.

David, Virginia

2/14/2013 8:20:56 PM ET
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. MLK

Anon, OCONUS

2/14/2013 6:32:45 PM ET
Unfortunately it's hard to talk sense to most of us in the military when it comes to what is really mission essential or even what our mission should truly be without sounding traitorous. The fact is if anyone picked up the Constitution and read it to see what we are really supposed to be doing as a defense element they would immediately know how to cut spending. Our problem is that we want to be able to reach our hand into any nation and be able to get there at a moments notice. According to the Constitution that's not what we're here for. We are designed to protect our nation's borders not go out and create new borders to protect. Hence we find ourselves in a financial bind. We could downsize all of our forces and create jobs within the civilian population to create a greater GDP so that we could export more of our own goods and have other populations rely on us just the same as we do for other nations with far less cost in the long run. It's basic economics if you buy more a

DD, CONUS

2/14/2013 4:21:20 PM ET
I think they should cut all overtime on civillian workers in the shipyard. If we cant collect overtime why should they all we get is comp time for our overtime.That would save a whol lot of money if we did that. Second if we get taxed unemployment gets taxed why cant welfare get taxed thats there earned income from us anyways and they should get taxed and not allowed to collect a tax return income. Im pretty sure that would help too they look at us and say the civillianmilitary force is weak. I am proud to be part of they force but they dont think that we have bills and a morgage to pay. If i make 7 to 8 digets a year i would vote on this too but i dont and it sucks.

D.K.K, JBPHH

2/14/2013 2:48:34 PM ET
I completely agree with Mike from Germany. For my whole career every unit I've been in we race at the end of the fiscal year to spend our unit money so we don't lose it for the next year. This backwards cycle has to be broken if we really want to save money. I think our AF leaders would be shocked how much money we could save if this end of FY spending spree could be broken.

Tyler, CONUS

2/14/2013 2:25:09 PM ET
We are to a point that the only way to cut further is to eliminate mission. Every mission set has necessary logistics required to support it. These can only be gutted so far until the mission stops and have already been cut to that point. There might be just a few emergency work orders now but without regularly scheduled maintenance and sustainment those emergency work orders will be exponentially increased and each one will be extremely more expensive to fix than it would have been to just properly maintain. Elected leaders need to realize that the only way to meet Sequestration cuts will be to decide which missions they can no longer afford to fund and thus accept those gaps in national security. They will also realize that with mission cuts come BRAC closures and with those the life-blood of many communities. That is the real reason why elected officials refuse to cut mission. They want to have their cake and eat it too. They want all of the mission they want all of the bases

Rob, LA

2/14/2013 2:15:53 PM ET
Here are a few thoughts Why do the people that make the most money given leased staff cars that normally just sit around and collect dust or they get driven back and forth home Does leadership not have their own vehicle If transporting VIPs is a concern then rent a car for the duration of the dignitaries visit and then return to the rental company I get it that it would be kind of hard to put a VIP in a Chevy Cavalier Oh and dont get me started on MILAIR FWA How about flat screen TVs. Flight suits Why do we have to wear one color boot in garrison and a different color for deployments Oh how about Direct TV Base clubs Really Have you been to one in the last 6 months No wonder FSS is always in the RED CMSAFs jet setting all around the world Yes we all like Juan and hot fries This all makes about as much sense as giving a bald man a comb Base newspapers Thats it for now I have to get back to watching Dr Phil

d, AZ

2/14/2013 11:33:16 AM ET
We all understand the rules about not spending your budget and not getting it the next year. That is part of the problem. I've been in the Air Force 15 years and we've had multi million dollar end of year spending EVERY year I've been in...logic says that if we've had a surplus of funds every year we didn't need the money we were appropriated that year. So spending it on things the year prior so we get more money we don't need the following year makes no fiscal sense. We have been doing it at least 15 years and counting. The spend it because we might need it next year argument doesn't fly here. Additionally if you're asking people to leave why would you need to spend money on recruiting How about keeping your experience and save on recruiting funding instead of paying for recruiting bringing in inexperience all while you pay your experience to walk out the door I know..it makes too much sense.

Mike, Germany

2/14/2013 10:23:59 AM ET
Get ready for half-ply toilet paper...oh we're already using it...

JD, CONUS

2/14/2013 9:17:33 AM ET
If you want to stop spending in a substantial way stop the pot of money shuffle. Killing a contract provider position within a medical group which will cost 150K to send the work out to network and spending 500K for the same services is straight out stupidity. But it is being done because it is a different pot of money. Yearend fall out is no better. On the civilian side if you can save money while not compromising services or productivity you can put the money back into an account for when you need it. The government buys millions if not billions of dollars of furniture TV and whatever else they can find at the end of the year because to have money left will cause you to be penalized for not spendingwasting it. Bottom line is no one that has to balance a checkbook and has common sense is at the helm. Rob Peter to pay Paul is their solution.

Dr. Richard Zaruba, Minot AFB

2/14/2013 9:16:43 AM ET
More simulator flying Cheap effective

andy, UNDISC

2/14/2013 8:44:37 AM ET
1. These comments are right on Why is the military the ones taking all the hits What about those people that pay in 1000 in income tax during the year and get 10000-12000 back It may be fine that you don't pay taxes but you should never get back more than you payed in. 2. People living on governmentstate programs should not get anything back in taxes.3. Make the people on unemployment and welfare earn their money-picking up trash working for the state whatever.4. Make Congress take some hits take some benefits away from them like no pension once they complete there term. Just my opinion.

John Placke, Conus

2/13/2013 3:28:58 PM ET
To save money maybe they should cancel all UCI's until we get the problem fixed. A lot of money is wasted getting ready for them.

Tommy , CONUS

2/13/2013 2:25:49 PM ET
If you want to save some chump change close all of the stateside golf courses and utilize the land for mission related use. Close all of the stateside Officer Enlisted and all-hands clubs on the installation and convert the space to administrative office area. Close redundant gymnasiums on the installations. We dont need squadron and base level gymnasiums. Close stateside recreational activities offices and resale areas. Close the Commissary and the Base Exchange. After all these are available off the installation and are woefully under-utilized. But it's only chump change.

SNCO Ret, Scott

2/13/2013 9:43:26 AM ET
I have to agree with many of the comments. What is spent on Tops In Blue Travel costumes lodging busses... And all of the AF Bands. There was a day that these were showpieces for the Air Force. Today it just doesn't make sense. It's kind of like the Airman that seeks Af Assistance for diapers and baby food that drives a 35K truck.

Donna, Fl

2/13/2013 9:20:25 AM ET
We want to fix our debt problem well here is a thought for what we can do service wide. Buy a few less F-22's is there really an immediate threat that requires such a machine. Stop sending functional office equipment to DRMO and if it works don't replace it ei. TRC-170D. They spent millions to upgrade that machine only to mothball it months later. Stop forcing us to use GSA if we can get it cheaper with a local purchase.

TSgt Jurrens, Pensacola FL

2/13/2013 8:45:47 AM ET
We don't need to advertise to get people in. We are force shaping and cutting as it is. We have people with 4 year degree's that are dying to get in and can't. We need to cut programs that we don't need. It's so easy to spend money when it's not yours and thats exactly what the U.S. government does. No fiscal responsiblity what so ever.

Chris, Davis-Monthan

2/13/2013 6:23:07 AM ET
Everyone thinks Tops in Blue bands Thunderbirds etc are suppose to improve morale. All I need to improve my morale is good training correct tools and accurate tech data. You can keep your jazz hands and sequins.

MX, FOD walk

2/12/2013 7:31:53 PM ET
devastating to whom I didn't see any cuts to enlisted aids AKA butler's for general officers who already make enough money and their civilian counterparts don't get the same. I didn't see any cuts to general officers roundtrip airfare just to attend a meeting for an hour while their VTC collects dust. Change from the top quit passing the buck pawning it off on others to fix correct. Oh yeah does anyone read these posts or are they just a avenue to vent

andy, DC

2/12/2013 12:15:14 PM ET
Many of the comments above are baseless. You have to looka t the bigger picture. SUre spending at the end of the year gets strange...but that is becaue if the money isn't spent you lose it next year and next year you might need it. That's not the fault of the little guy...that's the fault of the big guy. THe other issue which wastes millions is the GSA program. I can save in my shop alone over a 1k a month if I didn't have to order through GSA. But again that's not the little guys at the bases fault...that's the big guys fault for making us use a ridiculous program. The fact that some are mad about NASCAR sponsorship Really It's pennies and if anyone had a clue about marketing they would realize that exposure means new troops which we still need...so how about we get serious Tops In Blue...that's a morale program. That's perfect...let's cut more morale welfare and recreation programs. Clueless

Courtney, CONUS

2/12/2013 11:20:13 AM ET
The problem with monetary cuts like this is that the ones that get screwed are the ones that do the job. Congress and the House passes a bill to give themselves a pay increase and then a month later says that we need to cut 12.4 billion out of our work forces and spending. This is the epitome of I get mine and the others will pay. This lack of worth for our country and the ones who protect it will only increase the decline of our society. If cut need to be made we need to make them on all levels of government and not only hold one agency to bear the weight. Reading all the post on this article there is some good ideas of own the Air Force can reduce its spending within its own ranks. And these should be looked at and followed through but the other agencies of government need to tighten their belts too and make this country what it once was the greatest Air and Space power out there.

JZV, March ARB

2/12/2013 11:00:38 AM ET
I found an article stating that a NASCAR sponsorship cost the DoD 80 million. Someone on high needs to go public with a statement to explain how it can afford such extravagance while sequestration looms. Why the other services elected to stop sponsorship but the AF did not is beyond me maybe its still trying to live fat and happy I suppose. Right now we don't need airshows tops in blue NASCAR or any other recruiting tool. Most people who want to join are saavy enough they can find a number or website. But what do I know.

Steve, Florida

2/12/2013 10:23:06 AM ET
And yet last week the AF announced a NASCAR sponsorship for 2013...I think it's time to write my congressman.

SJ, Southeast US

2/12/2013 10:15:43 AM ET
TC NJ is correct Our elected officials should not be allowed a benefit that is not voted for by the people paying for it the taxpayers. I don't think I've heardat least not daily anyone in federal service whining about not receiving a COLA or a raise in general. HOWEVER our elected officials continue to pass pay raises and benefits for themselves and their families. This is why you should NEVER vote for an incumbent They won't have time to make connections and align themselves with PACs and Lobbyists. Furthermore I don't see why if I can vote for some individual on a television show via my phone why can't we ALL vote for items that are on the agendas of the Senate and the House

Doesn't Make Sense, JBSA

2/12/2013 8:12:17 AM ET
As a Resource Advisor the last several years at the close of each fiscal year I have seen dollars wasted on buying wish list items. One year my base alone spent one million dollars in fall out money If there is fall out money this year I believe all bases and agencies throughout the DoD should just give it back to the Federal Reserve. Can you imagine how many millions or billions of dollars we can save by doing this

Civilian, Undisclosed

2/12/2013 7:34:28 AM ET
Lets scrap the Global Hawk program. Perhaps the jet is a good concept for the future but it costs too much to maintain. Currently the jet rarely flies and the U2 does the mission just as well if not better.

EF, Beale

2/12/2013 6:38:02 AM ET
Larry it is the Legislative Branch that needs to do its job. That is the branch that really has not been affected. The Executive Branch which most federal employees fall in has had their pay frozen for the past few years. It is time for term limits for our Legistlative Branch. Unfortunately the American people had an oppportunity to change the course of the country but common sense did not prevail.

TC, NJ

2/11/2013 10:23:37 PM ET
The AF could cut a lot from its budget. We dont though because there are too many people trying to make that next stripe. They are too afraid of standing up and calling the BS flag. When temps get down to 40 there is a row of de-icer trucks just waiting for the CHANCE that a flight crew will call for one. Heaven forbid one of those flights is a couple minutes late. Oh we cannot have that. Also how many people does it really take to fix an aircraft The reason those that take too long are still here because supervisors are afraid of marking those people down. Stand up to the BS people. Think for yourself and I guarantee it will align with the goals of the AF if you were brought up right.

Alexander Rosales, Ramstein

2/11/2013 8:20:22 PM ET
National security has taken a back seat to welfare and purchasing votes on the backs of tax payers. Apparently we're not too big to fail.

US Citizen, Benghazi

2/11/2013 2:20:30 PM ET
The budget needs to be realigned not cut. We need to cut the fat. We are a pitifullty wasteful org and if the waste was cut we could save an amazing ammount of money.

Kerry , LA

2/11/2013 1:52:16 PM ET
I am all for doing our share to balance the budget. What I would like to see in the Executive Branch of Government do their share. Cut their staffs postal budgets and freeze their pay as well. After all it was their responsabilty when elected generated a balanced budget and not keep slapping the continuing resoloution band-aid on the problem. It is time for them to do more with less like the rest of us.

Larry, Central United States

2/11/2013 12:55:01 PM ET
TSgt undisclosed News Flash we used to have to do all the things that you don't necessarily look forward to. I'm talking toilets trash and weeds and seeds. I think it actually gave us more person to person communication.Maybe back to High Touch Low Tech will help.

Dave Brett, Tyndall

2/11/2013 12:41:21 PM ET
Social Security was intended as a temporary measure by FDR in reaction to the Great Depression. But spending and job creation during WWII to furnish military supplies helped to bolster the economy. Now Social Security and Medicare will soon overtake the U.S. debt regardless of any defense spending sequestration plans.Who'da thunk it

Paying off debts, CONUS

2/11/2013 12:11:44 PM ET
Mr. Walker's comments are shortsighted in that these cuts also affect contractors and civilian employees neither of whom are required to take fitness tests. Consider civilian instructors at technical schools for example. If furloughs are put into place how will that affect the Air Force training pipelines

PB, US

2/11/2013 12:09:01 PM ET
I have a problem with the Government cutting funds for daily operations before they cut social programs. Social programs are a benefit not an entitlement. If the cuts are to come and they will because of the mess our government finances are in they need to remove the benefits first. That way the Daily military operations are less likely to be disrupted. With that said Military personal need to verify all items and parts for repair or replacement. Dont replace a part that you think is bad but verify the condition before replacement. I see parts being switched all the time in troubleshooting problems. It can be a bit faster but is certain to be more expensive.

Van Harklerode, BAFB

2/11/2013 12:04:09 PM ET
Now because of years of poor planning the over inflated system is now resetting. Reality is setting in and the fact that Thousands will be furloughed or even let go because of reckless behavior is just sad. I myself always have a backup plan and I can remember the days of having to paint the Ops building or take out my own trash and even wash the squadron vehicle. Those days are fast returning and whether we like it or think its fair change is coming. Life is happening. No business is too big to fail. Not even the military. However I have faith that we will not fail and will still be the best. You can still have a house and be on a budget. I welcome change. AF leaders lets tackle this challenge like we have every other challenge in our way since the 1940's. I believe we can do anything we put our mind and focused effort into. Money doesnt have to be what defines us as a Military. Hard work and innovation is what will define us through these lean years to come. God Bless and keep

Martin, Eglin AFB Florida

2/11/2013 11:50:10 AM ET
Although I don't agree with the probable sequestration we made our bed and must now sleep in it. I can see how people are upset but cuts need to be made and instead of complaining come up with some alternate solutions. If a better solution can not be found then we will just have to take the hit and move on. Life is not always easy but I'm sure glad I'm a part of it

Mike AF Civilian, California

2/11/2013 11:21:51 AM ET
I agree with Rick Mantangelo. Better start selling all those TV's and useless stuff bought just because the money was budgeted for them. I believe a monthly furlough and a mandatory 2 week no pay vacation would allow the civilian workforce to stay and give them some time off. We all know civilians work so hard. So far its worked in California. I'd rather take the pay cut than lose my job.

Alex Rodriguez, JBSA-Lackland

2/11/2013 11:20:55 AM ET
Sequestration is only disasterous if you continue to operate at the same levels with reduced funding. The only way to reduce government spending is to FORCE restructuring - the purpose of sequestration. The bow wave comment above is indicative of of the current problem --- we aren't supposed to DELAY spending we're supposed to CUT spending. Regardless having mandatory spending off the table is insane -- the country and it's leadership need to decide if we want to have the currently promised obligations linked to the welfare state or a military. We can't have both.

Daryl, Florida

2/11/2013 10:52:24 AM ET
Tops in Blue coming to Thule Greenland Feb 2013 at what COST . Fly in by C17 for 1 show thats a big fuel bill. Someone should have cut this one. Don't worry my morale will be the same without Tops in Blue.

TSgt, Thule

2/11/2013 10:45:08 AM ET
One would hope that our senior leaders would take a look at all programs across the board before determining what has to be cut or curtailed. It certainly seems that airshows UCIs bands and the like would be at least scaled back before cutting flying hours grounding aircraft and other operational necessities. Yes all of these programs have their usefulness but a sensible approach has to be made during these austere times.

Civilian, Undisclosed

2/11/2013 10:38:55 AM ET
It might be a good idea to eliminate the Thunderbirds. How much money do they require Loads I am sure.

concerned, Air Force base

2/11/2013 10:08:47 AM ET
In a more broader vision DoD is taking a hit so the Federal Government can cover up bills which by law must be paid. Obama care will tax the Federal budget hard and instead of raising income taxes to pay for a program which is suppose to save the country money The feds are robbing DoD to pay a bill hiding that expense from the tax payer and doing nothing to decrease the Federal Deficit. Thanks DoD for the 10 year loan

Wayne Andersen, 42 MSGPMF

2/11/2013 10:08:19 AM ET
I think this is rediculous as well we waste so much money at the end of the year on needless things and when the going gets tough everyone has knee jerk reactions to try and save. Here's an idea if you don't NEED it don't buy it.

TSgt John Legg, Eglin AFB

2/11/2013 10:06:21 AM ET
Cuts NAFS lose USE OR LOSE Budgeting REDUCE PCS's CUT BAND OF FLIGHTTOPS IN BLUESPORTS TEAM ETC End Higher Tenure Cut LOW PREFORMER--CIV or Mil BRAC Hanscom Rome Labs ETC.SOLVED

jimbo, CONUS

2/11/2013 10:00:37 AM ET
Maybe if flying units would not hit their annual limit 4 months into the fiscal year we might actually save some cash on flying AND maintenance. We've already are doing more with less. My guys work 12 hours a day 6 days a week and for what To have their benefits taken away Have to worry about getting paid We already have a lack of training thanks to the elimination of shred outs and reshreds in aircraft maintenance. There is already a lack of equipment and parts. We cannibalize 3 aircraft to make 1 good one then repeat the process to make another jet fly. My troops rarely have hot water in the dorms they have to fight or pay out of pocket for cold weather gear. What else can we cut

Air Base, Korea

2/11/2013 9:27:11 AM ET
Cut the Tops in Blue. That will increase morale and save money. Most Airmen go to that because they have to or they get out of work for it. Give them an extra half day instead and they'd be happier. The only people who get a morale boost from TIB is the performers themselves.

O'Brien, CONUS

2/11/2013 8:17:19 AM ET
Exactly my thought on NASCAR We can't even afford to pay people to join so why do we need advertising When does Congress lead by example I don't see any cuts on their part.

Tom, CONUS

2/11/2013 7:32:40 AM ET
Articles like this irritate me. You start pushing crap like furloughs before you exhaust every avenue. How about stop spending money just because you have it and want it to be budgeted for next year Stop overtime to people who DON'T need it Try cutting out FAT FOR LIFE when people don't use it for anything other than a nap in their car 3 hours a week and save MILLIONS This is ridiculous Makes me sick and quiet frankly not very pleased to call myself an american.

Tiffany, oklahoma

2/11/2013 12:21:58 AM ET
I am just worried about how the Government will cut spending. Does this mean those who must go to mandatory training will have to do it online instead Will we have to cut grass scrub toilets and mop floors as part of our normal duty day Will there be another paycheck scare Hiring freeze I wonder if this will affect the cash flow to deployed locations. I never saw so many flat screen tvs cell phones and xbox units. The military better take care of what they have....the morale funding is going...going...gone.

TSgt, undisclosed

2/10/2013 2:05:16 PM ET
We have spent ourselves into oblivion with all the new gadgets and computer program in attempts to better educate and train. We have inedited ourselves with more rules policies and regulations to fix stupid. We have spent money on top of money for all the new ADLS courses especially the politically correct policies. All in an effort to make our jobs easier and more efficient while in the meantime our true mission of flying and putting bombs on target is an afterthought and so is the time and dedication to training those who will need to do our jobs as we move on. Although we used paper to track an individuals training which seems archaic. It was quicker and faster than signing onto the Portal opening up TBA and typing in the training accomplished. Dont forget the individual then had to sign on to the system in order to initial for their part too. Oh yea what a time saver. The point being not all things modern are better or more useful they can be more time consuming just

Joel, Maryland

2/10/2013 1:33:10 PM ET
It's a shame what is happening to not only the Air Force but the Navy Army Marines as well. We are selling our nation short and putting the lives of those who do the bidding of our nation at risk. This situation is indicative of current disarray of government leadership to get the job done...something that military members do every day and rarely from the safety of a nice safe office.

Jon Schminky, Washington State

2/10/2013 12:23:11 PM ET
Eliminate any one who can't pass the fit tests. Problem solved.

H Walker, A base near YOU

2/9/2013 6:53:27 PM ET
Folks you are preaching to the choir. Go to the I.G. and put the fire under our leaders. NASCAR and the 100K that the Tops received Advertising should go first. Yes its beyond vomit and this is not a normal way to run any organization.

Go to the IG, Make em Answer

2/9/2013 6:10:13 PM ET
Rick took the words out of my mouth. In my short eight years in the Air Force I have witnessed frivoulos spending at all levels. We have been poor stewards with American tax payers money.We have only ourselves and our leadership to blame.

Ssgt, middlemanagement

2/9/2013 5:40:23 PM ET
They are going about this all wrong. National leadership needs to decide what kind of role we should have in the world and then plan and fund a military to meet that vision. So far they have not reduced commitments or missions or requirements they are simply trying to do more with less on a national scale and it is very dangerous.

Sgt Whoever, conus

2/9/2013 1:57:15 PM ET
Let's face it the military culture is for the most part not overly concerned with efficiency or cost savings. I have seen this for 30 years the last 20 as a Management Analyst. Until our culture changes to one that actually believes in efficiency and cost savings this will continue to be an issue. AFSO21 is a good example...it mostly just gets lip service as the unit level due to status-quo and 'what about me' ideology.

Tom G, CONUS AFMC

2/8/2013 4:11:24 PM ET
Does this mean senior leadership will cancel the sponsorhip agreement with NASCAR and cut Tops in Blue and the bands No wait we aren't that bad off yet. We will just cut flying hours and training.

Jerry, Oklahoms

2/8/2013 2:31:25 PM ET
You know I look back the countless times I've witnessed commanders order their units to spend money on frivolous items just for the sake of spending budgeted money so they won't lose it next year and then I read this article and I want to vomit. I am so disgusted with our leaders decisions when it comes to fiscal responsibility and now we are crying about sequestration. Better start selling back all those plasma televisions so you can train.

Rick Mantangelo, CONUS

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