Airpower Classics Archive 

Protection Mode
"If sequestration hits and the multi-billion-dollar reductions fall on the last two quarters of the fiscal year, there is no way not to impact training, flying hours, and maintenance, which are things, right now, we are trying to protect as long as we can."
—Air Force Secretary Michael Donley during a Pentagon press briefing with Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, Jan. 11, 2013. Donley said the Air Force isn’t sure now that Congress will be able to prevent sequestration from taking effect in March, so the service is taking steps to lessen the blow of sequestration's steep spending cuts.

The Courage to Take Risks
"Every airman should constantly look for smarter ways to do business. The person closest to the problem is often the one with the best solution. Leaders should empower airmen to think creatively, find new solutions, and make decisions. Airmen at all levels must have the courage to take risks and learn from mistakes as we pursue a stronger Air Force. As we do this, all of our actions will be shaped by our warrior ethos, bounded by our core values, and underwritten by common sense."
—Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh in "A Vision for the United States Air Force," a four-page document released on Jan. 10, 2013, outlining what Welsh thinks the Air Force should focus on as it gears for the future.