In preliminary suggestions released last week, the Defense Advisory Committee on Military Compensation suggests DOD should shift military pay to a “function of time in grade rather than years of service.” Such a move, says the panel, is a “growing sentiment” within DOD and would reward those who are promoted early into a higher grade. The current system, notes the panel, does little to encourage better performance or incentive to stay beyond 30 years.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.