Since the release of the unclassified assessment (large file) by Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, by the Washington Post Sept. 21, media, pundits, and lawmakers have been arguing over McChrystal’s calls for more resources and a new strategy—to win the hearts and minds of Afghanis. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), head of the Senate Armed Services Committee, does not want to hold a hearing, saying in a Sept. 22 letter to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), ranking committee member, et al that such “is premature” since McChrystal “has not yet submitted his recommendation as to the resources.” In a Sept. 22 release, Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.), vice chair of the Senate intelligence committee, said he wants a hearing to get McChrystal’s views “directly” to offset “political motivations,” including what he terms President Obama’s “buyer’s remorse.” (The Washington Post article may require free registration)
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.