The director of Army Aviation, Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Mundt, warns that budget cuts currently planned by Congress could deal a serious blow to progress of the Air Force-Army Joint Cargo Aircraft. According to a July 19 American Forces Press Service release, the general believes the trims could delay production by as much as two years and drive up the price. Plans call for the JCA to replace the Army’s C-23 Sherpa, C-26 Metroliner, and C-12 Huron, as well as some limited C-130 missions. Mundt said the Army hopes to get initial JCAs in fiscal 2007. The two services signed a JCA memorandum of agreement in June.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.