Lawmakers have received the Rand analysis of the planned consolidation and shift of test assets from Eglin AFB, Fla., to Edwards AFB, Calif., and the savings picture is not as rosy as painted by Air Force Materiel Command, reports the Northwest Florida Daily News. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) told the newspaper that his staff is still reviewing the “very thorough analysis,” but he noted that Rand indicated “significantly less” cost savings than anticipated by AFMC. The proposal sparked quite a controversy last year around the Florida Panhandle base, prompting Congress to prohibit any action until the issue can be further studied. There are still two more analyses in the works concerning potential cost-saving research, development, and test consolidations throughout DOD.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.