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Three years ago we predicted that manned Close Air Support (CAS) would be a thing of the past by the year 2020 (Latest stats on USAF Drones). USAF HQ just hastened our prediction today, announcing they will mothball six tactical fighter squadrons, including four squadrons of the venerable (and awesome) A-10 attack aircraft as part of Obama's plan to gut our nation's military.
Units on the chopping block are the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge ANG Base, MI.; the 163rd FS at Fort WayneANG Station, IN.; and the 184th FS at Ebbing ANG Base,AR. Throw in Iowa's 124th Fighter Squadron (F-16) and two other un-named active duty units flying A-10 and F-15's. That's 10% of our fighter force -- Gone in 60 Seconds.
Not to worry though. Jackwad Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz says the pilots in the axed squadrons would transfer to other units, including those that fly unmanned aircraft like MQ-9 Reapers and MQ-1 Predators.
“What we are doing is re-missioning the units,” Schwartz told reporters at the Pentagon Jan. 27. “In other words, for example, a unit that was operating manned aircraft might transition to a remotely piloted aircraft mission. And so, their fundamental skills will still be employed but in a different way.”
Yeah, right.
