As personnel and readiness costs have risen, USAF has devoted less money to procurement and research and development, Maj. Gen. Frank Faykes told reporters at a briefing on USAF’s 2007 budget request. In 1986, USAF put 55 percent of its budget into procurement and RDT&E. Today, the amount is around 35 percent. Faykes said the Air Force intends to increase the RDT&E budget by nearly $12 billion over the next five years.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
