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The USAF may agree with you but I don't agree "absurd" is the right sentiment, just expensive. The question is when is that "second". Originally it was 2058. Now, due to manpower requirements, it's the 2030's.The first B-21 squadrons will likely be existing B-2 squadrons. But the US Air Force has determined that the National Defense Strategy requires 74 additional squadrons by 2030, including 5 additional bomber squadrons. The problem is they are already short of maintainers. They've got to fix this structural manpower retention problem. I think forward deployed bombers would add continuity and security for maintainers and their families. I'd be looking to invite/lure/steal level 5 and above maintainers from industry as well. Perhaps even bring the "Warrant Officer" classification to the Air Force. Technical specialists need advancement opportunities and an ability to compete $$$-wise with industry. In addition to forward deployed bombers, there needs to be a plan for B-21's and B-2's to fight together for 5 years or so. B-2's are force multipliers. When you're short bombers, I don't think you want to get rid of force multipliers. I hope they keep B-2 and B-1 squadrons until the additional 5 bomber squadrons are functional. I wouldn't want to see them go as soon as B-21's come online. The additional numbers count.
The USAF may agree with you but I don't agree "absurd" is the right sentiment, just expensive. The question is when is that "second". Originally it was 2058. Now, due to manpower requirements, it's the 2030's.
The first B-21 squadrons will likely be existing B-2 squadrons. But the US Air Force has determined that the National Defense Strategy requires 74 additional squadrons by 2030, including 5 additional bomber squadrons. The problem is they are already short of maintainers. They've got to fix this structural manpower retention problem. I think forward deployed bombers would add continuity and security for maintainers and their families. I'd be looking to invite/lure/steal level 5 and above maintainers from industry as well. Perhaps even bring the "Warrant Officer" classification to the Air Force. Technical specialists need advancement opportunities and an ability to compete $$$-wise with industry.
In addition to forward deployed bombers, there needs to be a plan for B-21's and B-2's to fight together for 5 years or so. B-2's are force multipliers. When you're short bombers, I don't think you want to get rid of force multipliers. I hope they keep B-2 and B-1 squadrons until the additional 5 bomber squadrons are functional. I wouldn't want to see them go as soon as B-21's come online. The additional numbers count.
