Maj. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., the deputy assistant secretary for budget with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, provided details on the service's fiscal 2013 budget at a Pentagon press briefing Feb. 13, 2012. Bolton stressed the need for difficult budgetary cuts to meet the new defense strategy while maintaining the service's agility, flexibility and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tiffany Trojca)
Maj. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., the deputy assistant secretary for budget with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, and Marilyn Thomas, the deputy for budget with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, answer questions about the Air Force's fiscal 2013 budget at a Pentagon press briefing Feb. 13, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tiffany Trojca)
by Tech. Sgt. Richard Williams
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
2/13/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force released its fiscal 2013 budget Feb. 13 and stressed the need for difficult budgetary cuts to meet the new defense strategy while maintaining the service's agility, flexibility and readiness.
The Air Force is requesting $154.3 billion in the president's 2013 budget, a reduction of five percent from the $162.5 billion the service received in fiscal 2012.
"The Air Force made some very difficult choices," said Maj. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., the deputy assistant secretary for budget. "But it was our priority to tightly align with the new strategy and also stay within the fiscal environment as a result of the realities we are facing economically."
The Air Force Strategic Choices and Budget Priorities paper, released by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz on Jan. 27, calls for streamlining of the force, making it smaller and more efficient with care to not create a hollow force.
Under the Budget Control Act, the Department of Defense is required to reduce expenditures by $487 billion over the next 10 years with a reduction of $259 billion over the next five.
"It is worth noting that our budget has reduced by 12 percent in real terms since FY09," Bolton said. "So we have seen a consistent trend of reductions in the budget.
"The Air Force budget portion of the Budget Control Act reductions over the next five years is $54 billion," Bolton said.
The Air Force's portion is not a result of simply dividing responsibility between the services. Instead, the budget amount is strategy driven, while maintaining a properly equipped force with the ability to deter, deny and defeat an opportunistic aggressor in a combined campaign any time, anywhere, he added.
"The strategy requires a different force structure and different tools; the Air Force is realigning the total force to address the future," Bolton said.
The service has drawn down many times in the past, but never as a nation still at war. Previous size reductions focused more on maintaining force structure, which left the Air Force with a hollow force, he said.
"It is really about balancing risk among the themes of force structure, readiness, modernization and taking care of our people," Bolton said. "We have sized the force to the strategy within the fiscal constraints we are facing."
The Air Force is looking at a nearly $3 billion reduction in procurement cost because the service divested and is purchasing less hardware. Also, there is a reduction of about $500 million in research, development, testing and evaluation, but the Air Force continued its focus on modernizing key components that will maintain the service's technological edge, Bolton said.
"Funding for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space remain a priority," he added. "We will continue to develop programs in ISR ensuring we are supplying this skill set to the joint warfighter and coalition partners."
According to Bolton, funding also remains in place for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter -- the centerpiece for future modernization to be able to prevail in contested environments.
"Ensuring fiscal goals are met and fleet modernization continues are only half of the goal in the new strategy," said Bolton. "Taking care of Airmen and their families is a key component and cannot get lost in talking of mere numbers.
"We are reducing the force by 9,900 Airmen, which will reduce the end strength of active duty, Guard and Reserve to around a 501,000 total force," he said. "This allows us to appropriately size the force structure to the strategy and hardware we are going to have in the inventory."
The Air Force is proposing a 1.7 percent military pay raise in fiscal 2013 and a 4.2 percent raise in basic allowance for housing and 3.4 percent raise in the basic allowance for subsistence as a continuing growth of compensation for service.
"We are budgeting more than $700 million for family programs including child and youth programs and child development centers," Bolton said. "We will continue to take care of our folks; we just need to ensure it is being done efficiently under tighter fiscal constraints."
Housing is a key ingredient to taking care of Airmen and the Air Force is close to reaching its goal of 53,000 privatized housing units force-wide with over 40,000 units in place and the remaining units to be ready in fiscal 2013.
"We've increased our family housing budget by $93 million and this will allow us to meet our goal," Bolton said. "Completing this transition is important because we have found through privatization we are able to increase the quality of housing for our Airmen and their families."
Looking back to the 2011 requirements -- military action and support in Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting NATO missions in Libya, along with humanitarian support to Japan following a major earthquake -- Bolton reinforced the reach and responsibility placed on today's Airmen and emphasized the importance of providing them the tools required for a versatile force.
"We will continue to do everything we can to provide them with the tools they need to continue to be the best Air Force in the world for decades to come," Bolton said.
Comments
10/6/2012 4:37:29 AM ET I spent eight years in the Marines 2years dod navy and now working dod air force. First all the military is losing money from its supply network and waste. If the supply network contracts were properly renegotiated found fair vendors or in housed the production of certain components the savings there alone would save the military all it needs. I have seen the military pay a company 2500 dollars for a 15 dollar part that could be made by our qualified techs for 5. This plagues the entire force
Patrick, FL - Florida
9/11/2012 7:00:22 AM ET Does this mean they're doing the DOS rollback again
Chris, Little Rock
8/19/2012 10:26:36 PM ET Peter You do realize the retirement pay is the only thing keeping this all volunteer force in place right You really think all of us is simply doing this because we're all in due to patriotism How naive can you be You take away the retirement pay you better be ready to bring back the draft and kiss the all volunteer force good-bye.
Ray , Langley
3/6/2012 10:42:09 AM ET Reducing cost can be accomblished by removing civilians from skilled labor positions and replaced with active duty. I recall in the 70s there were few civilians in those slots. It gave us active duty a chance to learn a skilled trade when we were unable to continue our education due to finacial reasons. I would also like to mention retirement. That's one of the reasons that the military can attract people to join. In the private sector, retirement is a thing of the past. The military at least offers a retirement for risking your life. But maybe change the retirement age, no bemnifits till your 50 and no tricare coverage till your 50. Just a thought
Charles, Florida
2/22/2012 8:16:48 AM ET There are so many useless programs we see every day that were designed when we had too many officers with not a lot to do besides micromanage an already functioning force. If these programs were taken out of the picture along with more strategic planning of the programs that do work then we would be more than capable of sustaining the force we have. Everyone wants to be a politician. Honestly, what's the last the good thing a politician has done for you? We are too thin to function properly anymore with the countries we occupy.
12 years, Macdill Politics AFB
2/20/2012 7:36:37 AM ET To save our military money I would suggest closing all bases where we are not welcome anywhere except Israel and the UK. We spend a boat load of money in energy costs not to forget the sending of our Airmen back and forth every 3-4 years. Close those bases and bring them back to the States to green up our Home defense. Maybe even utilize our military to start cracking down on Domestic Terrorists gangs and the sort. At least that way our money would be benefitting Americans. Just a thought...
Mark, RAFM
2/18/2012 6:07:34 PM ET Peter from Kunsan That's the worst idea I ever heard I hope that was a joke...If not I'd be willing to bet my retirement that you never served a day on active duty. All Airmen take note hereThis is why you must support professional organizations like AFSA
Tony, WPAFB
2/17/2012 12:03:58 PM ET Keep voting the liberals in and soon you won't have a military. Lefty's cut the DoD budget every chance they get.
Jeff, Colorado
2/17/2012 11:00:15 AM ET I disagree with cutting retirements for those that served in the military. Yes, its an honor to enlist. But to squash a retirement for those who did their Partiotic duty, your nuts. how about cutting that 1.6 billion dollar cell phone deal for people who dont work? Limit welfare Disability to only those medically unable to work.
john, ky
2/17/2012 9:18:16 AM ET @peter, I agree but why stop there. I think Base housing, child care, education benefits, MRW, and all that should go as well. Also, you should immediatly give back your clothing allowing and the pay raise you just recieved. I know as a retiree it has been a few years since my pay went up...Your idea is probably one of the dumbest I have ever heard of.
Dave C, OH
2/17/2012 8:50:00 AM ET Peter, I don't what reality you're living in,but cutting away retirement benefits is definitely the wrong way to go. Saying a person shouldn't be compensated for their years of service is like saying a person shouldn't be paid for going to work. Patriotism alone doesn't pay the bills when you have families to take care of you need as much financial aid as you can one way or another.
Disgruntled SSgt, Langley AFB
2/17/2012 7:12:33 AM ET Prevent a hollow force. We are pretty much already to that point.
NCOIC, UK
2/17/2012 1:19:56 AM ET How about we start trimming back all those major inspections every year like UCIs, ORIs, etc. They spend thousands and thousands of dollars to have high-ranking pencil-whippers come in on fancy jets and try to force the mission to exactly what it says in the book. I say if the mission is going good and we're getting warheads on foreheads, then why should we waste the money saying oh you're not using the right pencil to annotate the annotations on the AF Form?
Growler Fowler, SWA
2/16/2012 9:25:52 PM ET @SSgt: You are high if you think the AK47 is the top rifle in the world. They are extremely popular because they cost next to nothing to produce and they are extremely durable. Do some research other than the big screen. Our carbine is not the best either, but pound for pound the carbine is a much better military weapon.
Jerry, NW
2/16/2012 6:53:12 PM ET thats all we cutting. i like only have me a sra leading all e and e and no ssgt in the shop. means i get to take all the glory of the jets flying. who needs more airmen. pfft not us
jason, shaw
2/16/2012 3:35:54 PM ET Everyone needs to carefully review the FY13 DoD Budget Proposal. Takes good care of active duty and families members, but sticks a red-hot iron poker clear inside retirees. Promised moderate health care fee increases, the reality is extra large fee increases. MSgts, SMSgts, CMSgts, Majors and Lt Cols will be hit hardest since a tiered communist method means-testing approach is being used to determine how much one pays. Write your Congressmanwoman today, retirees already made a huge payment for their health care with continuous selfless service while their civilian counterparts stayed home with their families. If you're active duty and think this doesn't affect you, you'll be a retiree too before you know it.
Tell The Truth, U.S.
2/16/2012 11:14:13 AM ET I am not totally in favor of isolationalism, but we as a country have to stop pumping money into all of these third world FUBAR countries and start spending some on our own people and infrastructure to include our military. The fact we are in debt to China is unconscienable. I do agree some cuts need to be made, especially the older aircraft and closing redundant basing, but cutting retirement benefits or benefits in general is the wrong action to take. If you don't meet the first needs of Maslow's Hierarchy people will never strive nor can they due to not having basic needs met. Vote smartly my friends our future depends on it.
CMSgt Michael Belanger, JB Andrews
2/16/2012 11:00:45 AM ET Peter, that is an excellent idea, but I have a better one: we should stop all military and civilian pay. It should be an honor just to serve. We can all grow victory gardens so we can eat.
KB, Macdill
2/16/2012 10:43:05 AM ET Disagree with ending retirement. The men and women of armed forces deserve at least that. As to cuts, pick social security, medicade/medicare debt, interest payments, any other federal department. Or end programs like JTRS that do not work retire old air frames and position of new yes new air planes, which like cars will have less maintenace to do. But restore restore training manning levels and equipment Cyberspace with security.
Tony, Ok
2/16/2012 9:44:14 AM ET Obviously a new uniform and an updated fitness policy are in order. Naturally, 26 CBTs will be necessary to ensure you remain focused and resiliant.
Bob, Wright-Patt
2/16/2012 9:25:29 AM ET @Jerry: I completely agree. I mean look at history. The AK47 has always been the top rifle in the world. Why we don't use it really gets me. They are about half the price as an M4 and don't double feed or jam up unless its really broken. We waste so much on the M4/M16 a varmit gun alone when there are many less expensive alternatives. Even a SIG 556 rifle is a better price with more advanced tech and needs minimal maint. We are the 80 year old force with low quality weapons and vehicles. The HMMWV is the biggest piece of h we have. I am a VM troop and they all are on the last legs of being effective. The AF machine is about to break down and rust over.
SSgt, USAF
2/15/2012 9:05:23 PM ET Sr AF Leadership has no problem cutting personnel and benefits. Accept cost overruns for F-22A and F-35A as well as under bidding for Next Generation Tanker. Guess where the priorities are. Gen Curtis LeMay would not have stand for this.
Mike, Niceville
2/15/2012 7:21:45 PM ET I highly suggest taking away the retirement benefits of all military members immediatetly. I would suggest starting with Congress they can purchase their own retiremnet plan just as all Americans do. I would then start at the top of the rank structure and work down. Eventually eliminating all retirement benefits. It should be an honor to serve your country so i see no need to have a retirement system. This would save millions of dollars and a true patriotic American will never ask to be financially compensated for service to hisher country.
peter rossini, kunsan
2/15/2012 3:36:52 PM ET I hope everyone is ready to walk or use thier own POV's at work. The VM shops are allready parking vehicles with the 2012 budget. 2013 is going to be nightmare. Hope the cops can used to bikes or road patrols on foot. The LE sedans are allready scheduled to go bye bye.
SSgt, USAF VM
2/15/2012 2:39:27 PM ET People making these decisions should realize that you can not have it both ways. With greater threats coming from China with cyber warfare and all the drama in the Middle East. They expect to make the choice of going to war and not have the manpower and technological advantages. If Iran or any other place for that matter escalates we will not have enough in the total force. The alternatives would be to recall people that were kicked out and then implement a draft.
Wallace, New York
2/15/2012 1:34:26 PM ET Try cutting PCSing down. Many officers that I know honestly would not mind staying in place longer, but the assignment teams shift people around so much. 1-3 year PCSs create astronomical costs. Moving PCSs to a minimum of 4 years TOS or PCS at 6 years TOS would save millions annually.
10 years to go, WPAFB
2/15/2012 1:21:25 PM ET Make PCS's a minimum of 6 years. Too many time people get PCS'd after 1-3 years. Lengthening it will save millions annually.
Jay, WPAFB
2/15/2012 11:13:23 AM ET Its hard to believe this story sits right above the Tops in Blue one on the AF News page.httpwww.af.milnewsstory.aspid123289880
Prior, SJAFB
2/15/2012 11:07:46 AM ET Saying this budget will keep an agile flexible and ready force is like saying prescribing vitamins to an 80 year old will allow him to remain agile flexible and ready. He may be more agile flexible and ready than he would have been but he is still 80 years old. Unless our aging weapons systems are REPLACED the Air Force will continue to age and it WILL NOT be agile flexible or ready. No matter what words are used the Air Force is continuing to age and the currently fielded weapons systems will continue to have increased down times and non-mission ready status and will not out perform the newer weapons systems of potential adversaries.
Jerry, Oklahoma
2/15/2012 10:57:26 AM ET Pray and study up on the folks you vote for well before actually voting.
Angie, Alabama
2/14/2012 4:05:00 PM ET Salute smartly, carry on and wait for fallout money next fall.
Terrence N. Scheffler, Sacramento Ca.
2/14/2012 11:39:00 AM ET The budget presented will never get off the hill. The other problem is the automatic cut of $60B to DOD on 1 Jan that know one is talking about.
Frank, hanscom
2/14/2012 8:24:54 AM ET The Air Force has been receiving less funding for the past several years, we have an aging fleet and we're spred too thinly across the entire world. Our civilian leaders need to understand that as a force we need to stop occupying countries that don't want us and installing dictators that are worse to their people than their democratically elected presidents...I'm talking about Iran in 1953 on this one. We have to wake up and realize we don't have the money or resources to police the entire world and we're dangerously overextending oursleves with our current policies.
Chris Gibson, Lackland
2/13/2012 9:06:24 PM ET Of the 9900 reduction in Airmen...why didn't the article highlight the reduction in percentage based on AD ANG and AFRC Airmen Would it tell another story
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