Senator Chuck Grassley made the comment below about information released today by the U.S. Air Force regarding its fiscal year 2013 Total Force Manpower Force Structure, which includes authorized manpower numbers for Iowa, including the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines and the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.
The Air Force document indicates a net reduction of 492 Air Guard positions in Des Moines due to recent recommendations to retire 21 F-16s in Des Moines. The Air Force document also indicates a net increase of three Air Guard positions in Sioux City.
Senator Grassley's comment:
"Reversing this decision will take a concerted effort by National Guard advocates in Congress. So far, the effort has been significant, and there will be an opportunity to determine a different outcome when annual legislation to authorize defense spending is considered later this year
"I'm a member of the National Guard Caucus in the Senate and plan to continue pressing for answers and a thorough review of what's best for taxpayers and national defense. During a Budget Committee hearing last week, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon and I both asked Defense Secretary Panetta to review these recommendations. In addition, 49 governors, including Governor Branstad, have expressed opposition to the Guard cuts.
"Fiscal responsibility and stewardship dictate that the Air Force should use a cost-benefit analysis that looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the active and reserve forces. It's not clear that such a process has been used, and the Air Force needs to account for its approach."
Rep. Bruce Braley's office sent the following:
Braley: Stopping Air Force Cuts to Des Moines Air National Guard is "Just Common Sense"
Washington, DC - March 6, 2012 - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after the US Air Force said it was recommending eliminating 492 positions at the Des Moines-based 132nd Iowa Air National Guard Fighter Wing:
"Stopping the Air Force's misguided cuts to the Des Moines Air National Guard wing isn't a partisan issue, it's just common sense. If the Air Force's goal is to reduce costs, downsizing the Iowa Air National Guard while more expensive units and less experienced pilots are preserved elsewhere just doesn't add up.
"The Pentagon's priorities are wrong, and I'll continue working alongside Iowa's elected leaders to stop this damaging plan in its tracks."
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