After Operation Allied Force in 1999, the Air Force, which bore the brunt of that intense, three-month military campaign, took half a year to "reset": to give its airmen some extra rest and get their schools and upgrades, to repair and refurbish its aircraft, replace weapons expended, and generally get itself back up to par. After 11 years of war in Afghanistan and 20 years of war in Iraq, however, the Air Force will not catch such a break. No reset is planned for the service, and indeed, no letup in operating tempo is in the cards. Aircraft lost in the course of combat have, when possible, been replaced "as we go," according to Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and programs. Miller said the Air Force has to renew itself on the fly, because there's been no indication of an extended breather ahead.
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