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Show NEWS Future calls for 1 Force Nes 1 wing, b Service restructuring outline distributed at the convention detailed the dramatic changes in store for wing-leve-l oper- WASHINGTON One wing, one base and one boss is the concept behind significant changes planned for wing-leve- l operations as the Air Force continues its quest for economical, more practical ways of doing business, the Air Force chief of staff said Sept. 18. Gen. Merrill A. McPeak and Air Force Secretary Donald B. Rice are s promoting thinking that will shape the Air Force to better meet the realities of the 1990s, especially in an era of declining public support for defense spending. "It is tempting to think that this is a recent phenomenon, but we are about six years into a steep budget decline," McPeak said during a luncheon at the annual Air Force Association convention. "This year, 1991, the Air Force is operating with essentially the same budget we had in 1981. But we're projected to go down further." Add to that the drive toward at least a 25 percent smaller force and the "business as usual" approach is ruled Another initiative outlines the demise of the three deputy commander positions operations, maintenance and resources currently existing at wing level "and to squeeze these func- ations. The basic unit for generating and employing combat capability, the Air Force wing has always been the service's prime instrument. Hut in the years ahead, the wing will be more streamlined and among the many changes, a brigadier general will command wings at larger installations. tions into two group level commands." Three becomes two war-fightin- g These three positions will merge to form a group commander for operations and a group commander for logistics. The current combat support group will still exist but will be known as the support group. "This 'three into two' idea is an example of streamlining and consolidating," McPeak said. "It's also an example of replacing deputies, not quite commanders, not quite staff officers, with commanders, further strengthening the chain of command." Above the wing level, a major reshuffling of higher headquarters staffs is also on the chief of staff's agenda, as are major personnel cuts in numbered air force headquarters. back-to-basic- 0 o - o ; I - - - 66 out, he said. Secretary Rice and I want to reorganize because the Restructuring With that in mind, McPeak and Rice must Force Air move have pressed for restructuring as the best way to sustain ahead. combat as the Air Force top-to-botto- m capability gets smaller. 99 Gen. Merrill A. McPeak Air Force chief of toff "The Air Force has always had a warrior reputation and we want to strengthen that," McPeak said the previous day at a press conference. 13 Hilltop Times b 1 A by SSgt. Sarah L. Hood Air Sept. 27, 1991 Generals will move To accomplish that and still meet a mandated general officer reduction, the Air Force will move many generals from staff jobs onto the flight line. These generals will come from various areas as the Air Force trims its ranks. As wings merge at various bases, the need for an air division goes away. Eliminating the air division makes 19 generals available for reassignment for wing commanders. Other headquarters reorganizing actions will also free more generals in the future to fill wing commander slots. Under the one wing, one base, one boss concept, the installation commander will command the wing, the base and all the local resources associated with it, moving away from Taking the initiative The Air Force is stepping up to the need to change, McPeak said. "No one made us do it. Congress didn't pass a law telling us we have to reorganize. Secretary (of Defense Dick) Cheney and General (Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Colin) Powell did not send down the word that we had to shake things up. "Secretary Rice and I want to reorganize because the Air Force must move ahead. Because this restructure is the right thing to do in the face of so many forces for change." "stovepipe organizations that report to some absentee owner," McPeak said. For example, communications and weather organizations will now work for the wing commander instead of for another specialized functional command at some bases. Everyone's Invited. It's our "LOOK " 25 th BEYOND YOURSELF" J Hi t' Anniversary at Clearfield Job Corps Center Center 700 East 700 So. Drive) Next to 1 Freeport (Antelope 'WX Come help up celebrate! gang of loners, loonies and losers are about to become something theyVe never been before... Saturday, October 5, 1991 10:00 a.m.-3:0- 0 p.m. PARAMOUNT i B II tilt UJ If ti' a W 7 See how our center has grown over the years! iRR If ti H'H WW B ttg g g tt 1111111 4' a team. FREE Buffet Luncheon FREE Door Prizes Tours Displays wm&i: glg-gA-g-g- N SQ1I PG13 T PJCTURES LOGGIA reus A KAK - HARLEY JANE PMEVTSSntmCLTCAimOHl MEUFELO m ROBERT REHUE nmmt nil Bl A UD HTCIOII ELiZOAf DO mm; Mil NEUfELO STAN DRAGDTI NE CESSARY SS1IR0 1 10CH JR." AND ROBERT REHUE BIK ROUGHIESS MATXIH 6 DAVID FULLER DRAGOII Y'V s COMING TO THEATRES EVERYWHERE SEPTEMBER 27 F U.S. SMflMGS BOMBS y |