In fact, I am concerned that our potential adversaries are observing the situation and planning their next moves as we speak. We had to admit we have a problem before we could proceed to fix it. There are a lot of things we need that money can buy. Certainly we need more spare parts. Funds are also needed to address certain personnel issues, some of which we have outlined before.
Congressional leaders are now aware of the problems, and fixes are promised.
The retention situation is obviously interrelated with readiness and, frankly, I'm not sure where we are right now. I know for sure that the Air Board is aware of what we need and continues to work the problem. VADM Mike Bowman is in the lead, with VADM Joe Mobley, LGEN Fred McCorkle and RADMs John Nathman, Mike Bucchi, Tim Beard, Steve Keith, Frank Dirren and Craig Steidle. VADM John Lockard, a recent member of the Air Board, has been a positive part of the solution as well. I would advise junior officers to study and weigh your options very carefully.