Fighter Fundamentals

Three Oklahoma lawmakers are questioning the Air Force's decision to eliminate "Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals" training units at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK, and Laughlin AFB, TX.

In a letter sent yesterday to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, Oklahoma Sens. James Inhofe (R), Tom Coburn (R) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R) ask the service leaders to provide "a detailed business case analysis for the proposed IFF move to include specific cost and efficiency data," claiming the decision "goes against the detailed recommendations of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) as well as Congressional intent."

In a statement, Inhofe said:

Although I fully support the Air Force's ongoing efforts to reduce costs during hard economic times, I remain skeptical that the proposed consolidation will lower costs and improve efficiency. The Air Force has cited a number of reasons for this consolidation, yet few details have been provided that prove moving IFF training from Vance and Laughlin AFB will save money and improve training.  This current decision by the Air Force runs counter to the conclusions contained in the 2005 BRAC Recommendations that were based on detailed analysis and modeling of all DoD missions and installations.  While I did not favor conducting the 2005 BRAC, it was approved by Congress meaning this Air Force decision could be at odds with the purpose of the BRAC Act and Congressional intent. I look forward to seeing the detailed business case analysis that explains how the 2005 BRAC data and savings are now no longer valid.

In the same statement, Lucas said:

The consolidation of the IFF mission away from Vance Air Force Base represents not only a significant deviation from the original BRAC 2005 recommendations, but also a departure from its intended function of reducing costs and maximizing efficiency. The IFF program at Vance AFB is renowned for its usage of unencumbered airspace that provides an exceptional training experience for pilots. That the IFF program at Vance is somehow so inefficient that it merits removal outside the auspices of BRAC warrants a serious congressional inquiry. For this reason, I join my colleagues in requesting that the Air Force provide the detailed information that demonstrates the most cost-effective basing alternative, and I look forward to their comprehensive response.