General’s A-10 Comments Draw IG’s Attention

The Air Force dismissed marks made by a senior officer likening support for the A-10 Thunderbolt II to “treason,” but confirmed that the service’s inspector general is looking into the matter, Stars and Stripes reported Jan. 23. Maj. Gen. James Post, vice commander of Air Combat Command, also allegedly said that if he were quoted as making such comments he would deny it. Post’s remarks highlight the stark differences inside the service regarding the Air Force’s role in close air support. While senior leadership has called for retirement of the A-10 as a budget-saving measure, others believe the plane simply is the best platform of its kind. The IG probe would focus particularly in the issue of service members’ rights to express their opinions, Stars and Stripes reported in Jan. 23 issues.