The optimum number of days airmen should deploy for air expeditionary force rotations is 120 days, according to Lt. Gen. Roger Brady, Air Staff manpower and personnel chief. Talking with Pentagon reporters earlier this week, Brady noted that about 65 percent of the force currently deploys for 120-day rotations, and while some serve longer tours in certain locations and billets, he believes the 120-day rotation is the right time period because “it helps limit the footprint,” he said. Sending airmen for longer than that requires more aircraft maintenance and other support. Earlier this year, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley questioned whether 120 days might be too long because it pushes the edge of a larger footprint.
Much more Space Force enabling all aspects of the Joint force, but perhaps still crewed fighters and stealthy transports are among the forecasts outgoing Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall made in a new report to Congress.