Budget cuts ground US Air Force front line combat units

Budget cuts ground US Air Force front line combat units

Seventeen squadrons belonging to the various U.S. Air Force commands are affected by the stand down order to save 44,000 flying hours – one third of the total (worth $591 m), according to Air Force Times.  Some squadrons will remain combat ready or are expected to keep a reduced readiness level called “basic mission capable” until the end of the Fiscal Year 2013. Some will be immediately grounded, others will be forced down as soon as they come back from their overseas deployment. DEBKAfile: The reduction in US Air Force activity also reduces its combat readiness for rapid deployment in emergency situations..