The
GAO says the Pentagon is not maximizing the load capability for the USAF airlift fleet, including dual use tankers. The reason, says the Congressional watchdog agency in a new report, is that Air Mobility Command doesn’t collect enough data to make a good determination about efficient use. Actually, AMC agrees and has been working on that very problem. However, as GAO points out, although AMC wants to maximize the airlift fleet’s load-carrying capability to move troops and cargo as efficiently—and cheaply—as possible, its primary mission, per DOD, is to deliver “the right items to the right place at the right time.” Are these conflicting goals? Yes.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

