The head of the National Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, said Tuesday that a key factor in the Air National Guard’s decision to opt out of Air Force plans to reduce personnel was that the Air Guard helps keep vital talent in the Air Force personnel pool. “Where will those talented experienced airmen and officers go and have an opportunity to serve in the Air Force if there are no part time opportunities in the Guard,” Blum asked rhetorically during a breakfast meeting with defense reporters. Blum explained that the Air Guard has discussed its plans with Air Force senior leadership. He added that ANG and Air Force Reserve Command both are working with the Air Force to find workable solutions to the coming money crunch that will include some significant adjustments in skills sets and capabilities.
The Air Force’s plans for its portion of joint all-domain command and control have taken a major step forward. The service awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, multiple-award contract worth up to $950 million to 27 companies. The IDIQ deal will give 27 contractors the opportunity to compete for work…