It took several months of legal cogitation, but the Air Force gets to accept the $5 million worth of equipment offered by the state of Utah on May 10, according to the Associated Press. With the base realignment and closure process in full swing, Utah lawmakers decided they needed to make a forceful showing of support for its military bases. The proffer will provide equipment principally for Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Where will Utah purchase this equipment? The answer is mostly from companies in Utah—creating about 800 jobs along the way.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.