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Raptor funding switch raises concern

The Air Force is worried that the House Appropriations Committee’s decision last week to strip $364 million from the service’s F-22 modernization program and redirect it to the permanent change of station account will cause delays and cost overruns to the F-22 program.

An Air Force official said Monday that the service will appeal Congress’ decision.

“The F-22A program is currently assessing the impacts,” the official said, “and anticipates the proposed cut would drive significant program restructure, cost increases and schedule delays. The Air Force plans to address this proposed reduction through the established Congressional appeals process.”

In a report accompanying the House’s Defense appropriations bill, the powerful committee raised concerns about the Air Force’s plan to reduce the number of permanent change of station moves, saying that it could hurt professional development and retention.

The committee ordered the Air Force to review its PCS program and report to Congress by December.

The Air Force last November approved sweeping changes to its PCS policy. The most significant part of the new policy changed standard continental U.S. tours from 36 to 48 months for both enlisted members and officers.

Another Air Force official, responding to the congressional committee’s criticism, denied that the new policy hurts professional development or retention.

“The PCS policy changes announced last year were implemented to make better use of fiscal resources and to reduce turmoil on our airmen and their families by providing them additional stability,” the official said in an e-mail. “Since implementing these policies, waivers and/or exceptions have been routinely granted for mission and/or professional development reasons and we expect this to continue in the future.

“We believe the [Air Force] budget reflects a careful consideration of what it takes to win a long war, take care of our people, reduce risk, and recapitalize an aging fleet.”