Sec. Donley calls for a fiscally improved Air Force

Federal Drive

Sec. Donley calls for a fiscally improved Air Force

Defense appropriations heads to the Hill, Sammie finalist played instrumental role in Russia

Federal News Network Staff

September 14, 2010 8:40 am

2 min read

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Air Force Secretary Michael Donley is urging the service’s leaders to step up during tough economic times. The Defense Department says Donley recognizes that there are new requirements for missile defense, cyber and space defense. That, plus modernizing the Air Force’s fleet are challenging the budget. Even though Defense Secretary Robert Gates has charged all the services to do more with less, Donley says that fiscal reform is nothing new to the Air Force. He says the Air Force is looking to streamline its organization and command structure to be more efficient. Donley made his comments this week during his State of the Air Force address.
The Senate gears up for action on next year’s defense authorization bill. Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring the bill up for debate on the Senate floor next week. The measure sets spending levels and policy for the Defense Department, but it also contains hot-button issues, including a repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and abortions in military hospitals.
Remember the Russia-Georgia War in 2008? Mark Simakovsky, DOD’s country director for Georgia and Moldova is credited for playing an instrumental role shaping the Defense Department’s response to that war. During the war, he was responsible for promoting U.S. interests in the region and and helping to prevent further instability. His work as earned him a spot as finalist for a Service to America Medal from the Partnership for Public Service. Learn more about Simakovsky and his work this morning on the Federal Drive.

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