Air Force leaders in 2010 will shrink the fighter force by about 3.5 wings to save money, free up funds for other missions, and lower its manpower requirements.rnThis can be done, USAF leaders said, because the Pentagon leadership under Secretary of Defense RobertrnM. Gates perceives that the US will enjoy unchallenged air dominance until 2015 or so.rnHowever, key members of Congress weren't immediately convinced, and wondered openly and forcefully in budget hearings whether USAF is unwisely divesting itself of needed capability.rnMoreover, the Air Force itself acknowledges that, under the new scheme, its ability to prosecute two major combat operations at once will be "degraded." The two-war capability has always been shorthand for military sufficiency.
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