"The Budget also requests authorization for another Base Realignment and Closure round in 2015 to close or realign excess infrastructure and avoid wasting limited resources maintaining unneeded facilities. The actual closing of any bases would involve a multiyear process that would not start until 2016, after the economy is projected to have more fully recovered."
It is too much to ask to put out a coherent message and information at this point; they honestly believe they are doing everyone a favor by releasing this matrix prior to the holidays.
The "funny" part is that everyone involved is working way too hard to get this done, while we have known for a long time it was going to happen. It's quite standard really, but I don't need to say that...do I?
The intent of the law is interpreted by the Air Force as an attempt to trim the force voluntarily first, they can target whom they please and deny whom they please. After that is "complete", they will non-voluntarily target the force...again, targeting whomever they please and removing whom they please.
He was asking for your opinion as the only "senior leader" he has any direct line too. If you don't want to be "called out", you should probably just go back to lurking. While I do not believe for a second that anyone should be looking for clarification from you (no one has any idea who you are or what you are qualified to answer), this is the situation you have developed. If you have the capacity to add value, you (and you alone) have added that obligation to yourself.
This, if you recall, is an all voluntary force. What you have just written is not true; we serve at our pleasure...for the values that we hold. This "usefulness" you speak of is purely political jargon for "I have no control over it". While I believe this viewpoint may have merit for O-6's and above, I am surprised you took the time to log in to write that. I suppose he did say, "Any comments?"...perhaps he should be more specific next time...or go ask someone that cares more.
That said, I hope you have a good Christmas...but, I hope everyone at A1 isn't taking Christmas off. I'm not (again, while I serve at other's pleasure).
Personally, I think you should try again...Perhaps with a little more value or empathy...your choice.
Bendy