Usually I agree with your posts, yet I find this one too simplistic. The procurement process for a multi-billion dollar military purchase is very complex and involves multiple layers of oversight -- both agency and Congressional.
No question there have been missteps with how the Air Force has conducted this procurement. Yet, it's not as easy as heading over to Home Dept to pick up a new lawnmower.
July 10, 2008 at 8:27 AM
Looks like our Air Force is being run by idiots. It's probably not their fault that the current war has no need for strategic bombing or air supremacy fighters. But you'd think that they'd at least take the free time this generates to improve themselves. You know, streamline procurement regulations, develop new strategies and technologies that are actually useful in defeating our enemies, stuff like that.
[Image]Most of you are probably unaware that the Air Force has a very old fleet of refueling tankers. Most of these planes were built back in the 1950's and 1960's. Most of them are going to fall out of the sky soon, and the ones that don't are extremely fuel inefficient. There is a strong argument for making the capital investment ($100B over 20 years) in replacing the fleet with new planes.
Now, there are only two companies that make big planes these days. This fact you may have heard before. The two are Boeing and Airbus. Boeing is an American company and Airbus is a British, French, German conglomerate. Airbus is also partnering with Northrop Grumman (an American company) to help build and service their planes.
Most people I meet around the country think DC is full of corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and lobbyists. I say, "no, no, we have a bad rap- we're selfless patriots doing the people's business." They complain about the revolving door between government and industry, and I say, "no, no, you don't understand. It's not like that" Then they point to the tanker deal and I don't have anything to say. It's embarrassing. What a debacle.
posted by Straight to the Point at 2:18 PM on Jul 9, 2008
"The Air Farce"
2 Comments -
Well, all I can say is. Im hungry.
July 9, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Jeff,
Usually I agree with your posts, yet I find this one too simplistic. The procurement process for a multi-billion dollar military purchase is very complex and involves multiple layers of oversight -- both agency and Congressional.
No question there have been missteps with how the Air Force has conducted this procurement. Yet, it's not as easy as heading over to Home Dept to pick up a new lawnmower.
July 10, 2008 at 8:27 AM