AMC reduces budget to free funds for war Published May 10, 2005 SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Air Force is experiencing a $3 billion deficit in its 2005 fiscal year operations and maintenance budget, and Air Mobility Command has taken numerous actions across the command to implement the Air Force Chief of Staffs direction to slow down peacetime expenditures to free up funds for the war.According to Col. David E. Price, AMC Comptroller, the commands budget cuts wont actually save dollars, rather, the funds being cut from AMC programs will be used to offset the cost of war operations and to continue war-related support missions.The actions taken by the command will affect flying training, depot- and base-level readiness activities, force modernization, infrastructure and facility projects, and people programs.We have asked commanders to take a hard look at their operations, including flying, to see what can be scaled back or cancelled, said Colonel Price. Supporting our nations global war on terrorism is our highest priority, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure war operations continue uninterrupted.Areas command officials are looking hard at to pull back funds include flying proficiency training, aircraft inductions for Depot Purchased Equipment Maintenance, contractor logistics support, remaining civil engineering operating funds, and a wide range of wing- and base-level operations.AMC base, wing and headquarters funding has already been cut dramatically. In the readiness arena, AMC has significantly reduced travel, including temporary duty for aircrew training, firefighter training, Inspector General exercise training, life support instructor courses, and numerous professional conferences.In addition to cutting supplies and equipment purchases for Logistics Readiness, Civil Engineering, Security Forces and other base squadrons, AMC closed a Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., airstrip landing zone and cancelled Eagle Flag Military Operations in Urban Terrain planning conferences.Also, cold weather and rain gear for security forces personnel, flight suits and boots, and land mobile radio purchases are being deferred. Logistics Readiness Squadron material handling equipment and shop operating supplies, fuels laboratory and safety supplies will be deferred as well, as will fire department supplies such as service breathing air compressors, rescue gloves, safety boots and structural helmets, just to name a few items.Infrastructure and facility project work have already been cut back to just cover emergency, health and safety requirements. The command has also curtailed some refuse, grounds, custodial and dining service contracts.Weve deferred virtually all our infrastructure projects across the command; everything but emergency health and safety projects are affected. We have also reduced the scope of many base-level contracts. This is a very tough fiscal year, said Colonel Price.In addition to readiness and infrastructure programs, AMCs modernization and people programs are also taking hits. Communications, networking and computer equipment efforts, including fiber optic installations, information technology storage area networks, and numerous desktop and laptop computer replacements buys have been cancelled.The cuts to modernization programs will affect our future capabilities, but right now, our limited resources must be focused on our on-going war efforts, said the colonel.Cuts to AMC people programs have curtailed attendance at Noncommissioned Officer Academy graduations. Summer hire programs are also being eliminated. Services at recreation facilities have been cut back, while replacement equipment for playgrounds, child daycare centers and fitness centers will not be purchased this year. In addition, supplies for self-help projects and furniture purchases for new and renovated buildings are being deferred.The only areas protected from the 2005 fiscal year budget cuts are war operations, civilian pay, and utilities.We need to leverage our resources to effectively accomplish our war mission; we cant do that without our civilian workforce. They are critical to the AMC mission, but everything else, except the war and a few must-pay bills, is on the table, said Colonel Price. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821