CSAR, Sorties, Afghan, PRC Cyber, ABL

AFA Members, Congressional Staffers, Civic Leaders, and DOCA members, one of our staff members pointed me to a piece in Aimpoints - a pictorial about Combat Search and Rescue in Afghanistan - which is focused on the great work done by the Air Force's PJ's. The piece was done in September by Michael Yon - who was imbedded with the AF's CSAR forces. What I found interesting about the piece was its insights into what it is like to be deployed to Afghanistan - the scenery, the great work done by US forces, and the very-real dangers. Secondly, one can easily see why the Air Force needs a new replacement helicopter for this mission … and why this mission is not a "pick-up" mission. There has to be a dedicated force which trains, lives and breathes this mission. Finally, the heroism of these units makes one proud to have served with them. The link to the piece can be found at: http://aimpoints.hq.af.mil/display.cfm?id=35673 [caution: the file is large and may take some time to download].

Secondly, the Air Force, on 3 Nov 09 recorded its 100,000th sortie this year in support of our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a milestone of which all of us can be proud.

Three very good op-eds for your consideration. The first looks at Afghanistan through the lens of Viet Nam. It is can be found at: http://www.newsweek.com/id/221632

The second discusses China's Cyber offensive: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703399204574508413849779406.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The third, by Gen (Ret) Lyles, argues that DOD's cuts to the Airborne Laser Program were misguided: http://www.afa.org/edop/2009/ABL%20Lyles--Washington%20Examiner.pdf

For your consideration,

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association