(Air Force Times) Backtalk: Straighten up and fly right

[unhappycamper]

Straighten up and fly right
By Robert F. Dorr

As base realignment decisions and reviews of Pentagon strategy strip some Air National Guard units of their fighters, the 122nd Fighter Wing in Indiana is one of the lucky ones. While other Guard units convert to unmanned aerial vehicles or the C-27A Joint Cargo Aircraft, the “Blacksnakes” at Baer Field in Fort Wayne continue to fly the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon — a plane that never gets enough recognition for its value to troops and taxpayers.

“I’m a big F-16 fan,” said Col. James C. “Chris” Luithly, vice wing commander for the 122nd.

Guard leaders want to continue to provide about 50 percent of the F-16s in the total force. Some even favor new production of improved versions as a cost-saving alternative to the F-22 Raptor.

“The defense of the homeland, which is a core Guard job, doesn’t require a generation 5.0 fighter,” said Gen. Craig McKinley, commander of the National Guard Bureau. “We need an aircraft able to scramble quickly. The F-15 and F-16 have not been in production for U.S. forces in recent years. If we can get the right mix of cost and capabilities, we might look at (resuming production).”

But the future of the Guard fighter force isn’t rosy. Although they haven’t said so publicly, the last two Air Force chiefs of staff have sought to shift some fighters from Guard to active-duty units — even though guardsmen excel in realistic training exercises and in real-life combat.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_backtalk_guard_020909/%2e

[Sherman A1]

1. Wow!

Someone with some sense. "Defense of the homeland ..... doesn't require a generation 5.0 fighter"....


I like this guy.....