Marine Fixed-Wing a Potential Casualty of Impending Budget Cuts

[Joe Copalman]

Interesting post by Tom Ricks over at Foreign Policy: http://ricks.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/10/03/the_defense_budget_implosion_ix_the_end_of_us_policy_since_wwii#commentspace

In the defense budget cut recommendations by the Center for a New American Security, Marine fixed-wing aviation - notably Hornets and Herks - is one of the suggested capabilities we can (in their opinion) afford to cut.  Of course, the Marines are going to fight this tooth and nail, and we may be seeing a McCutcheon vs. Momyer-type slugfest over the proper role and control of Marine Air.  It'll definitely be interesting to see how this all plays out.  For my part, my camera gear LOVES dirty Marine Corps aircraft, so I really hope the cuts hit elsewhere.