The hold is off the nomination of Frank Kendall to become the next secretary of the Air Force tonight. One of the biggest budget challenges he may face if the Senate confirms him is something he can’t control.
- Gen. David Deptula (USAF, ret.), dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, said the false notion that the Department of the Air Force is receiving funds commensurate with the Army and Navy departments is standing in the way of needed modernization.
- $39 billion “passes through” the Air Force but goes to other Department of Defense agencies, making it seem like the Air Force is getting more money than it is, explained Deptula.
- The solution is for Defense Department leadership to allocate the funds to the appropriate location, the agency account, Deptula said.
