Air Force Hit Parade

There are seven big themes when members of Congress or Congressional staff ask questions of the Air Force, said Maj. Gen. Robin Rand, director of USAF’s legislative liaison office, Tuesday. Speaking at an Air Force Association-sponsored Air Force Breakfast Series presentation in Arlington, Va., Rand said the topics that come up most frequently have to do with (in order): the surge and redeployment of forces to Afghanistan; the F-35 strike fighter and its competing engine, the F136; Joint STARS, the new KC-X tanker and the C-17; basing of the F-22 and F-35 as well as the MQ-1/9 remotely piloted aircraft; the Combat Air Forces restructure; alternative energy; and the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In the years ahead, Rand said USAF officials anticipate that they will be answering questions from Congress on: weapon system sustainment, long-range strike, strengthening the Total Force, and the KC-X.