To the Airmen of the United States
Air Force:
Yesterday the
President and Secretary of Defense released the details of
Fiscal Year 2010 budget proposal to the Congress, the media
and the public. This budget proposal is designed to shift
the priorities of the defense establishment and focuses on
three themes:
1) Reaffirm our commitment of the all-volunteer force.
2) Rebalance
programs to institutionalize and enhance our capabilities to
fight the wars we are in today and scenarios we are most
likely to face in the
years ahead.
3) Reform how and what we buy, by fundamentally
overhauling our approach
to procurement, acquisition, and contracting.
The Air Force's budget proposal reflects these priorities.
While the budget does not fund continued procurement of some
high-interest modernization programs, the overall Air Force
budget remains constant, allowing an opportunity to make new
investment decisions. Our willingness to make hard choices
now will secure those capabilities we must preserve for the
current and future fights, such as global integrated ISR,
special operations, cyberspace superiority, and
continued support for nuclear deterrence operations. The
budget proposal also enables us to halt the drawdown of
active duty end strength at 331,700, a net gain of 14,650
Airmen over previous plans. Finally, we will make additional
investments in our acquisition enterprise.
Today's operational needs and fiscal constraints compelled
us to make tough choices about the investment priorities of
our Air Force -- not shy away from them. These choices were
not easy, but they assure that the Air Force will continue
to provide the world's finest air, space and cyber power.
These choices also drive greater balance into our force
structure and skill sets.
We are all stewards of a tremendous institution -- one built
on a legacy of Integrity, Service
and Excellence. Many
American Airmen have preceded us in service to our great
Nation, and we could not be more proud of you as you carry
on that rich tradition.
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