This has put a great strain on our Air Force. To relieve that strain, we need to restructure into larger and fewer bases where our forces and support have the strength and depth to sustain our expeditionary activities. To do that, we need another two rounds of base closures, and we need them soon. Base closure is a readiness issue, not just for now in evolving to an expeditionary force, but to future readiness where we want to evolve into the most respected and potent air and space power in the world. Unneeded base structure sucks up resources we need freed to modernize our force and evolve missions into space.
Modernization is future readiness.
Modernization programs such as the F-22, Joint Strike Fighter, and airborne laser are crucial to staying ahead of potential future threats. We never want to send our young men and women into a conflict to win 51-49. We want to win our battles 100-0. Providing our people with the most technologically advanced and capable tools we can, will assure we have no fair fights. The seamless integration of air and space assets can help assure that we never will.