The Supreme Allied Commander Marine Corps Gen. James Jones believes that NATO allies must produce the additional 15 percent of troops agreed to a year ago for operations in Afghanistan. Right now, he says, NATO has provided only about 85 percent of the agreed manning. Missing capabilities include an attack helicopter squadron, C-130 tactical transports, and a tactical theater reserve battalion. Jones told reporters Sept. 7 that the NATO mission in Afghanistan would be “successful without [the additional resources],” but having them would make the operation go “quicker” and might “minimize casualties.”
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…