27th Annual Air Warfare Symposium only two months away!

As asymmetric threats around the world continue to emerge, there comes pressure to defend the aerial space from potential warfare. At the same time, budgets are declining as the current war efforts wind down, and military leaders have tough choices to make. 

At AFA's 27th annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, expect to hear timely presentations from senior military leaders and aerospace professionals on the issues facing the aerospace community. This year’s Symposium will be held Feb. 23-24, 2011, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Last year’s symposium included the top echelon in Air Force leadership, with Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy leading conference addresses.

Identifying and addressing the challenges facing the aerospace community is imperative—eliciting the need for a national event to share critical information. The Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition is an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, discussing advances in aerospace technology, the challenges that still present themselves to our national defense, and strategies to help understand the power of aerial warfare.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz
• Gen.C. Robert Kehler, U.S. Strategic Command
• Gen. William M. Fraser, U.S. Transportation Command
• Gen. Craig R. McKinley, National Guard Bureau
• Gen.  Donald J. Hoffman, Air Force Materiel Command
• Gen. Gary L. North, Pacific Air Forces
• Gen. Edward A. Rice, Air Education & Training Command
• General William L. Shelton, Air Force Space Command
• Gen. Mark A. Welsh, United States Air Forces in Europe
• Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy
• Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, Air Force Reserve Command
• Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, Air National Guard
• Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, Air Force Special Operations Command
• Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, Global Strike Command

Also, exhibits highlighting aerospace technology and education, sponsored by leading aerospace companies, will be on display as part of the Technology Exposition. 

Find out more at the Air Warfare Symposium site.

Note from AFA President -- AFA member op-eds

In the past couple of weeks our members have written some very good op-eds.  Here are a few of the best:

1. In a piece in the Knoxville News, Jim O’Brien from Knoxville, TN, makes the point that the cuts caused by failure of the Super Committee not only endanger national security, but they don’t even begin to address the twin issues of our national deficit and our national debt.  You can find the piece at:  http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/dec/03/jim-obrien-automatic-cuts-endanger-security/
    

2. David Radcliffe, Las Vegas NV, writes about the Air Force’s old aircraft – some of which were built in the Eisenhower Administration.  He believes our aircrews deserve better than to be sent to war in decrepit equipment.  You can find the piece at:  http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/OldAircraft.asp
    

3. Arthur MacFadden, Lookout Mountain, GA, writes about how to cut the defense budget.  He posits there are 5 major categories of funding – R&D (the future), Acquisition (already too low), Military Construction (not large by any measure), O&M (funds flight hours, civilian personnel, training, etc – can’t have a hollow force), and Military Personnel.  He argues we should “leverage our technology to … rely on Air, Space, Cyber, and Naval strategy.  You can find his piece at:  http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/How_to_Cut_Defense.asp
    

4. Ed Mechenbier, Dayton, OH, reviews our relations with Pakistan in the aftermath of a NATO airstrike on two Pakistani military posts.  He notes the cooling off period imposed by Pakistan is probably healthy.  He notes we have alternatives to the most recent imposed Pakistani restrictions and they revolved around Airpower.  He asks the question:  Is Pakistan a Friend or a Foe … then answers his own question with:  “Yes.”  You can find the piece at:  http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/Pakistan.asp
    

5. Rick Gibbs, Murrieta, CA, takes on a volatile issue of the “2% tax holiday.”  He states:  “Yes, we would all like to pay zero taxes … and we are prone to support those in the Administration and the Congress who want to “give us our money back.” However, there are items in the federal budget that we must support … and we must support with our taxes. One such item is defense spending.”  Further, he says we are on a path to cut defense spending by 20% -- an untenable number.  He closes with:  “Perhaps Presidents Kennedy and Reagan were not wrong in their decisions to stimulate the economy by increasing defense spending. Something to think about.”  You can find the piece at:  http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/Holiday_from_Stimulus.asp

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

Washington Perspective -- Defense Authorization Bill, Medals, TA

Today the House and the Senate meet in conference to hammer out the details of the 2012 Defense Authorization bill. There are quite a few “people issues” to be determined. The military coalition has weighed in on a number of them. See our letter here: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerspective/2011/FY12_NDAA_TMC_Cover_letter.pdf

Here is the matrix of all the issues [warning: 17 pages]: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerspective/2011/FY12_NDAA_TMC_Matrix_for_Conferees.pdf

Note that the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeants Association do not support the creation of a Unified Medical Command. Lot’s of reasons for that. We believe the needs of each Service are best handled by the Service, rather than putting all medics into one command. Also note that AFA and AFSA were alone in this view. Note AFA’s and AFSA’s asterisks are on the last page.

Secondly, we joined an Amicus brief making it a crime to falsely claim to have been awarded a medal. You can see the brief here [warning: It’s 64 pages in “legalese”]: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerspective/2011/United_States_v_Alvarez_amicus_brief.pdf

Finally, yesterday I sent a letter to Sec Panetta urging a temporary delay in the issuance of the DOD memorandum of Understanding for the Military Tuition Assistance program – in order to assure maximum participation by post-secondary education institutions. You can find the letter here: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerspective/2011/TA_letter.pdf.

For your consideration. Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

Tribute to the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941, is a date that will always be remembered in U.S. history. It was a day where this nation found itself being attacked on its own soil, falling victim to a surprise aerial attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy that claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Americans, including 68 civilians. The events propelled the U.S.’s involvement in World War II, and the following day this nation declared war on Japan. 

Below are a few pictures from the National Archives and an AP photo of the devastation from that fateful day. 
 

A small boat rescues a crew member of the USS West Virginia from the water. (AP Photo)

Note from AFA President -- Pearl Harbor, China, Iran

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While the attack was a shock, it could have been much worse. Had the Japanese targeted our aircraft carriers, or had they continued with their attack in the form of an “air campaign,” it might have spelled disaster for the United States. In fact, I maintain it was this attack that caused a national awakening of the speed, range, and capability of Airpower. Ms Merri Shaffer of the AFA staff has put this idea into an op-ed. To interest you, one paragraph from the piece:

“The remembrance of the "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor should continue to fuel a determination to maintain key Airpower competencies -- air superiority, long range attack, space superiority, and airlift. We should not take for granted military assets. The Pearl Harbor anniversary will always remain a stark lesson in the need for preparedness and the use of Airpower in an air campaign at the strategic level.”

You can find the piece on our website at: http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/Pearl_Harbor.asp

Secondly, I ran across a piece on China that could be considered prescient. It was written by Dr. Gordon G. Chang. In the piece, he argues that the Chinese economy has begun to falter; this will put pressure on the Chinese Communist Party; more power will flow to the military; and the result is the regime will be more dangerous than ever. You can find the piece at: http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/12/03/120311-opinions-column-china-bust-chang-1-3/

Finally, in a note two weeks ago on Iran [see: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/Notes/Notes_11-16-11.pdf] I left off the link to the piece by Stephen Rademaker and Blaise Misztal. It appeared in the Washington Post. It is a semi-technical look at Iran’s nuclear program that comes to the conclusion “ … there is no basis for concluding that the threat posed by Iran’s program has been diminished. To the contrary, it continues to grow at an alarming rate.” You can find the piece at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-growing-threat-of-irans-nuclear-program/2011/11/04/gIQAiguIxM_story.html?tid=sm_btn_twitter


For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

Washington Perspective -- Taxes, Senate Armed Services bill

This week Congress is working on whether to extend the so-called “payroll tax holiday.” At issue is how to pay for it. This is not a trivial problem as extending it will add $240B to the deficit. What is not generally carried by the media is the tax cut is a cut on Social Security taxes. Before the cut, the individual paid 6.2% and the employer paid 6.2%. This year the individual’s share was 4.2% and the Administration has proposed extending it to next year. Also under discussion is whether this cut hastens the time when the social security trust fund runs out of money … as well as how effective this short-term stimulus might be at improving the economy and jobs picture.

Secondly, the Senate passed the Defense Authorization Act, paving the way for a House-Senate conference. Notably the Senate then adopted about 40 amendments as a package. They include one that would require the Pentagon to be able to audit its financial statements by 2014.

The block of amendments also included one by Sen Collins (R-ME), Sen Shaheen (D-NH) and Sen Casey (D-PA) that would require an intelligence assessment of the threat of shoulder-fired missiles emanating from Libya and the development and implementation of a strategy to mitigate the peril (as well as reports to Congress on both).

Also included was an amendment by Sen Casey that would withhold however much money is authorized in the final bill for the Pakistan counterinsurgency fund until Congress gets a certification from the administration that Islamabad is making "significant efforts" toward combating improvised explosive devices, which are killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan after most are made with fertilizer produced in Pakistan.

Probably more than you want to know, but (thanks to CQ) here is the full list of amendments approved in that block:

· Wicker amendment to provide for the freedom of conscience of military chaplains with respect to the performance of marriages. (#1056)

· Ayotte amendment to modify the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness Plan to provide that a complete and validated full statement of budget resources is ready by not later than September 30, 2014. (#1066)

· Inhofe amendment to require a report on the feasibility of using unmanned aerial systems to perform airborne inspection of navigational aids in foreign airspace. (#1102)

· Wicker amendment to improve the transition of members of the Armed Forces with experience in the operation of certain motor vehicles into careers operating commercial motor vehicles in the private sector. (#1116)

· Shaheen amendment to authorize the acquisition of real property and associated real property interests in the vicinity of Hanover, New Hampshire, as may be needed for the Engineer Research and Development Center laboratory facilities at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. (#1122)

· Reid amendment to redesignate the Mike O’Callaghan Federal Hospital in Nevada as the Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center. (#1129)

· Reid amendment to clarify certain provisions of the Clean Air Act relating to fire suppression agents. (#1130)

· McCain amendment to require a plan to ensure audit readiness of statements of budgetary resources. (#1132)

· Blunt amendment to require a report on the policies and practices of the Navy for naming the vessels of the Navy. (#1134)

· Hagan amendment to require the Comptroller General to review medical research and development sponsored by the Department of Defense relating to improved combat casualty care and saving lives on the battlefield. (#1143)

· Begich amendment to authorize a land conveyance and exchange at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska. (#1149, as modified)

· Warner amendment to provide for the consideration of energy security and reliability in the development and implementation of energy performance goals. (#1162)

· Warner amendment to promote increasing acquisition and procurement exchanges between officials in the Department of Defense and defense officials in India. (#1164)

· Warner amendment to express the sense of Congress on the use of modeling and simulation in Department of Defense activities. (#1165)

· Warner amendment to express the sense of Congress on ties between the Joint Warfighting and Coalition Center and the Allied Command Transformation of NATO. (#1166)

· Warner amendment to require a report on the effects of planned reductions of personnel at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center on personnel skills at the Center. (#1167, as modified)

· Murray amendment to extend the number of years that multiyear contracts may be entered into for the purchase of advanced biofuels. (#1178, as modified)

· Collins amendment relating to man-portable air-defense systems originating from Libya. (#1180, as modified)

· Sessions amendment to require the maintenance of a triad of strategic nuclear delivery systems. (#1183, as modified)

· Coburn amendment to require the Comptroller General of the United States reports on the major automated information system programs of the Department of Defense. (#1207, as modified)

· Nelson (FL) amendment to require an assessment of the advisability of stationing additional DDG-51 class destroyers at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. (#1210)

· Casey amendment to require a certification on efforts by the Government of Pakistan to implement a strategy to counter improvised explosive devices. (#1215, as modified)

· McCain-Portman amendment to require a Comptroller General report on redundancies, inefficiencies, and gaps in DOD 6.1-6.3 Science and Technology (S&T) programs. (#1227)McCain-Portman amendment to require a Comptroller General report on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiatives. (#1228)

· Shaheen amendment to require a Department of Defense assessment of the industrial base for night vision image intensification sensors. ($1237) • Warner amendment to provide for installation energy metering requirements. (#1240)

· McCain amendment to provide for increased efficiency and a reduction of Federal spending require for data servers and centers. (#1245)

· McCain amendment to require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the probationary period in the development of the short take-off, vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. (#1250)

· Warner amendment to establish a training policy for Department of Defense energy managers. (#1266)

· Baucus amendment to require a pilot program on the receipt by members of the Armed Forces of civilian credentialing for skills requires of military occupational specialties. (#1276)

· McCain amendment to require the Secretary of Defense to submit, with the budget justification materials supporting the Department of Defense budget request for fiscal year 2013, information on the implementation of recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office with respect to the acquisition of launch services through the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. (#1280)

· McCain amendment to require a plan for normalizing defense cooperation with the Republic of Georgia. (#1281, as modified)

· Webb amendment to extend the time limit for submittal of claims under TRICARE for care provided outside the United States. (#1298)

· Levin amendment to authorize the award of the distinguished service cross for captain Frederick L. Spaulding for acts of valor during the Vietnam War. (#1301)

· Levin amendment to authorize the exchange with the United Kingdom of certain F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft. (#1303)

· Hatch amendment to require the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a long-term plan for maintaining a minimal capacity to produce intercontinental ballistic missile solid rocket motors. (#1315)

· Portman amendment to require a report on the analytic capabilities of the Department of Defense regarding foreign ballistic missile threats. (#1317)

· Cochran amendment to extend the authorization for a military construction project for the Air National Guard to relocate a munitions storage complex at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Mississippi. (#1324)

· Risch amendment to require exploration of opportunities to increase foreign military training with allies at test and training ranges in the continental United States. (#1326)

· Lieberman amendment to require a report on the approval and implementation of the Air Sea Battle Concept. (#1332)
Finally, we expect both House and Senate Appropriations bills to come to the floor next week as part of a very large omnibus bill.

For your consideration. Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

Note From the President -- Business items

AFA members, as we approach the Christmas and Hanukkah seasons, we all should consider gifting a membership in AFA for your spouse, children, grandchildren, or friends. There’s no better way to support the Air Force, in these troubling times, than helping us help them. You can do this online at: https://www.afa.org/newforms/membership.aspx

Secondly, the end of the year is a good time to consider your financial portfolio and determine if you have enough insurance coverage. AFA is pleased to offer high quality products from MetLife and from USAA to complete your positive financial picture.

AFA insurance products are clearly the most popular of all of the Member Benefit programs. And for good reason. AFA term life insurance policies contain no war clause so acts of war and terrorism are covered. Flying personnel are covered at the same premium and coverage amounts as the rest of the group.

Level Term Life Insurance - Members under age 65 may apply for $25,000 of level term life insurance for as little as $1.04 per month (for ages 20-29), up to $19.95 (for ages 60-64). You may purchase coverage in units of $25,000; up to a maximum of $300,000. AFA’s group life insurance programs are underwritten by MetLife, a strong partner of AFA for many years.

Accidental Death Insurance – All AFA Members are automatically preapproved for Accidental Death insurance, regardless of age or health. AFA’s MetLife policy is unique because coverage never decreases (and premiums don’t increase) when you reach a certain age. You may continue the coverage indefinitely at the same low premiums as the rest of the group.

Dental Insurance – Members have been extremely satisfied with the MetLife Dental Insurance coverageprovided to Members. You’ll have the freedom to visit any dentist and can be covered for preventive, basic and complex procedures.

Visit www.afavba.org/insurance for information and applications for AFA/MetLife insurance programs.

Group Legal Services - AFA’s group legal services is provided by Hyatt Legal, a MetLife company. Interested Members MUST ENROLL BY DEC 28th for calendar year 2012. Pay $211.80 and you, your spouse and eligible dependent children are covered for many legal services throughout the year. Visit www.afavba.org/legal for full details and to enroll. I’ve heard praises from former JAGs that they used and liked the service they received under this program.

AFA/USAA Rewards™ World MasterCard® - AFA’s credit card is issued by USAA. Get a 0% intro APR for 12 months. After that, APRs are as low as 10.9%(remove a space here). Choose from 9 exclusive AFA card designs including the Air Force Memorial, the Honor Guard, a variety of aircraft, satellites and missiles. All AFA Members are eligible to apply for the AFA Rewards MasterCard, whether or not you are eligible for USAA membership. Visit www.usaa.com/afacc.


For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association