The contributions of the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard have been outstanding, but like the active forces, they are strained by the level of current operations. Related to the reduction in force structure is the continuing decline of the defense industrial base. The capability for surge production is essentially lost. Most defense needs will be met by the commercial market. However, it is vital that the Air Force maintain a cooperative relationship with industry, which will be the source of the revolutionary technological advancements that the global air and space forces of the future will require.
Technological leadership is perishable.
If we do not modernize our capabilities, we will be overtaken and surpassed. We also believe the arguments are compelling for the development and exploration of the revolutionary potential of such systems as the Airborne Laser and unmanned aerospace vehicles. More reductions in force lie ahead, creating hardships for both those who must leave and those who will stay, as the unremitting workload is borne by a force that has already been cut by a third. There are increasing indications of retention, recruiting, and morale problems that the nation would be exceedingly unwise to ignore. However, the most critical issue, for active-duty and retired members alike, is health care.