Dear John,
Each year the Department of Defense (DoD) must send an assessment to the US Congress detailing “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.”
China has the largest military in the world, with 2.8 million soldiers, sailors, and airmen, roughly twice the number in the services of the USA. Their military parades are designed to emphasize strength and intimidate the nearby smaller Asian democratic nations.
The US Air Force (USAF) and Navy have so-called 5th generation aircraft, the F-22 and F-35 jets, while China has modernized most of its obsolete jets with so-called 4th generation jets to close the technology gap. According to the DoD report, China now also has H-20 stealth bombers and FC-31 stealth fighter jets.
However, China is reported to operate only 3 refueling tanker planes, compared to several hundred in the USAF. China is reported to be converting Y-20 cargo planes into tankers, and is emphasizing naval aircraft carrier power as it seeks military parity or even domination to promote their national agenda. There is also an emphasis on computer based cyber-warfare.
The USAF has the immediate responsibility of maintaining and modernizing our fighter jets, bombers, refueling tankers, and cargo planes, but also providing our pilots with adequate training and practice flight time.
One of the constitutional responsibilities of Congress is to provide an adequate budget for our aircraft, pilots, mechanics, and support personnel. Although there are multiple interests competing for taxpayer dollars, the budget must provide our USAF with the fastest modern computers at both their desks and in the cockpits, and adequate funding for pilot retention and training.
The goal of congressional funding should be to build an “enduring military advantage”, likely the best deterrent to war. As your Congresswoman, this will be a priority in my first term.
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