Leahy Praises Work And Findings Of National Commission On The Structure Of The Air Force

Press Release

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, praised the work of the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, which recently released its findings that the National Guard is a cost-effective, quality solution for the nation's security.

The independent commission, which was set up by an act of Congress to propose a proper mix of Active Air Force, National Guard, and Reserve personnel, confirmed the Senate National Guard Caucus's position that more manpower, equipment and missions can be transferred to the National Guard to achieve savings without sacrificing the quality of the nation's defense.

"I am grateful to the Commission for taking such a thoughtful look at how the Air Force of the next several decades should be built," said Leahy. "There's wide agreement in our caucus with this independent commission's findings that the National Guard is the most cost-effective solution for the nation's defense. Our own Vermont Air National Guard is a perfect example of how the model of citizen-soldier envisioned by the Founders still works well at keeping Americans safe."

Leahy indicated that the Commission's even-handed approach and willingness to take on conventional wisdom might provide a useful example for a similar commission on Army force structure being discussed in the halls of Congress

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