Senate Armed Services Committee comes to the defense of the A-10: Your thoughts?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:13:34 -0400

It appears that the new Senate Armed Services Committee will not allow the A-10 to disappear. They make a good point when they point out that they cannot allow the Air Force to retire an aircraft that is currently flying important CAS missions in Iraq & Syria today.

Senate leaders vow to block A-10 cuts

Leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee vowed to follow the House committee's lead and block the Air Force's move to retire the A-10 Warthog fleet.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 6 at 2015 12:17 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:17:33 -0400

Why is this a civilian decision and not a military one?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:37:10 -0400

It will be a sad day when they retire this beast. Can't count the times we had this Flying Fortress cover our ass on Route Clearance missions in Afghanistan.

Response by SGT James Elphick made May 6 at 2015 1:08 PM

SGT James Elphick — Wed, 06 May 2015 13:08:30 -0400

The one good thing Congress has been doing lately - saving the A-10

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 6 at 2015 3:48 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Wed, 06 May 2015 15:48:32 -0400

I retired out of Moody AFB, home to squadrons of A-10s. They have been desperately trying to "save Moody" for about 20 years now as BRAC went through and shut down bases.

Saving the base this last time took some tricky dealing, as I understand it. The big plan or compromise was that Moody would house and train Afghani pilots. Having lived there and knowing the people... in my estimation the community and base are going to pay a dear price. Many people down there believe every Muslim is a terrorist. A real estate professional I knew was afraid this move would have a terrible impact on the rental market, the for-sale market, and put a new strain on relations between the city of Valdosta and Moody AFB.

If the powers that be are wanting to deep 6 the A-10 for the F-35, then I fear our brothers and sisters are going to pay an even dearer price. But like with anything, follow the money and you'll understand how and why this (killing the Warthog) is being pushed so hard.