Speaking about the long-delayed Mobility Capabilities Study, now circulating in draft form, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper believes it will “shift the focus” to a mix of large and smaller tankers. He also expects the inherent cargo-carrying capabilities of tankers to be “counted” in the assessment of mobility capability. Counting tankers against mobility needs, said Jumper, means the Pentagon could come up short of mobility airlift if the tankers are needed to pass fuel at the same time they are expected to haul cargo or troops. “You take that risk,” said Jumper.
The Air Force’s senior enlisted leader told lawmakers that the service is working on 17 new on-base child care facilities to reduce a space shortfall and clear a backlog of Airmen’s children waiting for slots.
