Air Force Voices

Ralph Peters

Lots to say about the Ralph Peters column regarding the Air Force. 

Security Watchtower and Major Mike have been all over it.

I haven't been lost on the story...or the Air Force response I saw yesterday. 

Comments are forthcoming...stay tuned.

In the mean time...where is that "espresso bar?"

Consistently Negative News

Major Mike asks some interesting questions regarding the recent trickle of MSM news coming out of Iraq...

"Hmmm, I ask myself. Is this because there is nothing going on in Iraq? Or is it because nothing “bad” is going on in Iraq? Even the over-exaggerated reports of the difficulties of the Iraqis to form a government are falling off the radar. So, as things seem to be improving, the news coverage is dropping off. Interesting that that in and of itself is not newsworthy."

The only thing I would add is at least they are consistent...consistently negative.

An Easy Target

Are bloggers entitled to the same constitutional protection as traditional print and broadcast journalists?

This is the focus in the "second front" in the war to regulate blogs (see previous post).

Captain Ed links a follow-on story appearing in the LAT by David Shaw.

The Shaw article has the obvious spin and interesting conclusion:

"If the courts allow every Tom, Dick and Matt who wants to call himself a journalist to invoke the privilege to protect confidential sources, the public will become even less trusting than it already is of all journalists.

That would ultimately damage society as much as it would the media."

Waaah, waah, wah!

{Of interest: Recent surveys from seasoned Air Force Public Affairs officials carry the same type of comments...hmmm.}

Captain Ed also links to an excellent rebuttal by Slate editor, Jack Shafer. 

Again, we agree with Captain Ed:

"Read all of Shafer's delicious scolding. Shaw predicted he would get ravaged by the blogosphere, but an article that obtuse makes an easy target for anyone who defends freedom of speech for writers. Shafer proves himself once again to fit that bill."

From a previous post by Captain Ed:

"If the BCRA as managed by the FEC intends on being the Incumbency Protection Act, then Apple v. Does represents the Corporate Protection Act -- and both serve to protect the franchise of old-line media. Both protections come at the expense of free speech, and at the expense of bloggers."

La Shawn Barber also has a related post.  Look for her on MSNBC this Wednesday at 5pm EST.

Finally, Winfield Myers has been writing extensively on the subject and his latest post shows how big business uses the regulatory arm of big government to squelch competition.

My wife and I just saw "The Aviator" at the base theater...the Senate hearings in the case of Hughes Aircraft/TWA versus Pan Am Airlines and the CAB reminded me of this point.  I was also thinking of the movie "Tucker" and a couple of others...hmmm, I never thought of Hollywood as an ally.

In any case, Air Force Voices joins Captain Ed, Democracy Project, La Shawn Barber, and a host of others in continuing to shed light on this debate and protect free speech.

More Iraq News

Jason Burke of the UK's Guardian follows a similar post in the Financial Times (see previous post) that things aren't going too well for the so-called Iraq "insurgency." (HT: Captain's Quarters)

Here is an excerpt:

"The Iraqi resistance has peaked and is 'turning in on itself', according to recent intelligence reports from Baghdad received by Middle Eastern intelligence agencies.

The reports are the most optimistic for several months and reflect analysts' sense that recent elections in Iraq marked a 'quantum shift'. They will boost the government in the run-up to the expected general election in May."

I also expect a last ditch effort at violence by the so-called "insurgents" followed by the usual MSM / fringe left distortions using words such as "failure" and "quagmire."

Captain Ed is correct to point out that all attempts to stage another "Tet Offensive" have not succeeded because this time the majority of the American public did not fall for it (to the chagrin of most MSM elites). 

I agree with Captain Ed:  The "insurgents" (along with the elite media's world view) are losing and they know it.  I guess that would explain why this not being prominently reported in our national newspapers and broadcasts.

The Air Force Is At War

Last Monday, Air Force Captain William McDowell (C-17 pilot) wrote a good letter to Roll Call in response to a Mort Kondrake editorial.  The letter appears at the top of the Early Bird (you need a .mil extension to read).

The captain makes several great points regarding multiple deployments, especially by the airlift aircrews.  Here is my favorite passage:

"I read with interest Morton M. Kondracke's column published March 17, titled, "Army, Marines Need Priority in Rumsfeld's New Defense Review." Kondracke's presentation of Robert Scales' ideas is very persuasive and makes several excellent points. I must, however, take offense to the assertion that the Air Force is at peace....

...It is true our enemies have learned that our technological advantage can be overcome by propaganda and reports of casualties on the news every night. For this reason we do need to be structured to fight the enemies we face, not the ones we prefer. But when you look at deployment rates and stress levels, to assert that only the personnel with "boots on the ground" are at war in the global war on terrorism does a terrible disservice to the Air Force personnel, their families and their sacrifices."

The Air Force is in high demand and the sacrifices made by all Air Force members should not be mistakenly disregarded. 

Our public affairs strategy needs to be re-examined in light of the leadership vacuum at the top (see previous post) and losing battles in Congress.

I am glad the captain spoke out...

F/A-Catch 22

The F/A-22 program presents a catch-22:

Aim Points had an article (before it mysteriously disappeared) with some harsh criticism of the F/A-22. 

I found the article on POGO's website.  Here is the POGO teaser:

"In concert with the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), Col. Everest Riccioni (USAF ret.), a pioneer in combat fighter design, has published his critical analysis of the Air Force’s F/A-22 Raptor fighter jet program."

Go read the POGO Release here.

Also, the No Angst Zone had an excellent post last Saturday with a good recommendation.

Here is why I believe there is a catch-22:

First, the projected number of F/A-22 aircraft has dwindled to a mere 180 fighters.  A small number of jets would be spread too thin and may not be enough to win a decisive air campaign.  A year ago, Indian air forces scored multiple victories in mock dogfights flying Russian Sukhoi and MiG as well as French Mirage fighters against our F-15s and pilots.  This sparked some debate amongst air strategists.  Yet, the F/A-22 has superior flight characteristics including stealth that would dominate enemy fighters.  I believe the United States should never be in a fair fight.  So how many do we need?  How many can we afford?  Fantastic technology can be overwhelmed by mass.  Without the F/A-22, how many lives will be lost once the "playing field" is leveled?  By the way, the U.S. may sell F-16s to India and Pakistan.  Parity anyone?  Mass beats technology...technology trumps mass...ugh, the argument continues.

Second, "the F/A-22 role no longer exists."  The Soviet Union dissolved.  That is a fact.  Yet, roles and platforms often change on the battlefield.  At the height of the Cold War, no one envisioned employing a B-52 as a "tactical" conventional bomber...until someone did it.  How do we know exactly how the F/A-22 will be used?  Plus, the F/A-22 technology is vastly superior to anything else out there.  The F/A-22 tips the balance in favor of the United States...perhaps not in the way we might envision...SAAS grads, are you paying attention?

Third, "the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 fleets can fill the gap with advanced avionics packages."  Currently, this is true.  Yet, how old is the airframe on an F-15C?  Can pilots still fly these old jets at the edge of their performance envelope without stressing and cracking the airframe?  Do we continue to mortgage our future on older technology?  What about our obsolete tanker fleet?  If the F/A-22 can't refuel on the way to the battlefield, then it is a very expensive weapon with a limited range (if it makes it across the ocean by itself).  What else are we giving up "out of hide" by pursuing the F/A-22?

Having said all that (and believe me there is more)...the catch-22 is this: We have spent far too much time and money in F/A-22 technology to simply give up...yet, by continuing to fund this program, the Air Force delays on other pressing needs (i.e., tankers, special forces platforms, heavy launch capability, etc).  Shrinking the size of the fleet or slipping the delivery schedule to the right (i.e., surviving another budget year) isn't much of a strategy.  It sort of reminds me of Social Security.  The professional Acquisition Corps knows what I am talking about. 

Personally, I believe the Air Force has lost momentum on public opinion in favor of the F/A-22.    I wouldn't feel this way if I hadn't read all the opposing articles out on the Internet and in the MSM.  These not only influence my decision, they influence others.  If my opinion is uninformed...then enlighten me (us).  Frankly, the PA strategy could be better...the other services are successfully selling their story.

What frustrates me is there is great discussion (pro and con) on the F/A-22 "around the water cooler" and "at the ops counter" that doesn't go anywhere.  No one outside the Air Force hears these discussions.  Instead, decision makers are left with either 'glaring' reports and editorials (see previous posts on F/A-22...you'll need to scroll down since this post appears at the top) or 'glowing' reports from the SecAF, CSAF, and other senior leaders.  Lobbyists?!...please. 

Aside: Where do you think Members of Congress are getting their information in the digital age?  Hmmm

Finally, what is missing is informed discussion from those of us who will inherit the final decision.  Hopefully this post will spark discussion.  Just as it does no good for the Air Force to bury the story (as Aim Points did today)--it does no good for you to sit silent.  People will fill the void with alternative messages.  I don't believe Air Force members are indifferent...so speak up.

For more discussion on the F/A-22, click on the F/A-22 category on the right sidebar.  There are some great comments from "wildbill" and "monckywrench." 

Budget Shortfalls

Aim Points has posts an AF Times article regarding the current budget crunch in the Air Force's Operations and Maintenance budget. 

Laura M. Colarusso of the AF Times reports a $3 billion shortfall to pay for things such as official travel, morale welfare and recreation services, physical fitness centers, family support and childcare services, and general supplies and equipment.  The article goes on to say even readiness accounts may be impacted.

I understand the need for readiness...this cannot be compromised.  We are in the middle of fighting the Global War on Terror.

However, it is the cuts to other services that I also worry about.  I know this doesn't sound like much...but if you are spending time overseas, coming home to an austere environment has chilling effect. 

I'll put it this way so commanders can relate--without somewhere to spend their energy, troops WILL FIND other avenues to release tension--potentially driving Article 15 infractions higher.  Who needs that?  This isn't a slam on troops...it is simply a reality.  That is why we have MWR (I know the acronym is old) services in the first place.

Loss of family support and childcare services means extra tensions on the family.  Coming home after a deployment is already hard on families.  You thought family separation was hard...it is only the first part. 

Military members will do their duty no matter the budget.  However, something needed to be said.

Finally, I'll offer this for thought...the $3 billion sounds alot like the Defense Health Program shortfall a couple of years ago.  Hmmm

Opportunity Abounds

Mystery Pollster links to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup survey on the influence of blogs on the American Public. (HT: RealClearPolitics).

The writer at Gallup, Lydia Saad, states:

"Three-quarters of the U.S. public uses the Internet at work, school, or home, but only one in four Americans are either very familiar or somewhat familiar with blogs (the shortened form of the original "Web logs"). More than half, 56%, have no knowledge of them. Even among Internet users, only 32% are very or somewhat familiar with blogs."

The gist of the article is that weblogs are not yet "in the big leagues."  DUH!

However, that should excite people because it means there is lots of mindspace available out there once people learn more about the blogosphere and use it as a primary source of information. 

Bottomline: MSM is in decline...blogosphere is expanding every day. 

If you haven't started your own blog yet, what are you waiting for?

MSM's Worldview

Yesterday in my research seminar, we were talking about ways to streamline public affairs operations so the military could fill the void and combat enemy lies and distortions in the press.  This is a good idea...yet it only solves part of the problem.

I contend:  What is the use of becoming more efficient (and spending lots of money) if the MSM is only going to spin the news with their worldview? 

What is the use of becoming more efficient if we are going down the wrong road?...go down the wrong road more efficiently?

Need more evidence?  Here is another example from Michelle Malkin (who has several such posts featuring CNN). 

Thanks to Michelle Malkin for exposing this bias!

No One Comes Close

I was going to post an update on this topic myself...however, Spouse Corner pretty much captures it all.

All I can do is shake my head in disbelief, then salute smartly and carry on.

UPDATE:  The President has departed the base.  Someone finally came to their senses and allowed us to wave at the motorcade from the porch.  Word of mouth spread quickly and I saw several families with flags along the route...the way it is supposed to be.  My kids really enjoyed it though I'm not entirely sure if it was actually waving at the President or just being able to be outside again.  It is a beautiful evening.