The proposed 2014 defense-spending bill would reduce Air Force end strength by 1,800 active-duty members, about 500 reservists, and about 300 Air National Guard members. The planned strength reduction would come as the service is taking steps to meet mission requirements under budget constraints brought on by sequestration. During an April 12 hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley told lawmakers that the service already has cut non-essential travel, implemented a civilian hiring freeze, and halted flying operations of fighter and bomber units. Meanwhile, Donley said, upgrading and procuring new planes and equipment for the inventory remains a priority. "The continued modernization of existing fleets, such as the B-2, the F-22, F-15, F-16 and C-17, to name some, to keep them operationally effective and to extend their service lives is also key," he said.
