Senator wants answers on A-10 treason comment
WASHINGTON — A senator is pressing the Air Force for an update on its investigation into a general who reportedly warned airmen that talking to Congress about the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt amounts to treason.
Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., sent a letter Tuesday to Secretary Deborah James requesting an update on the inspector general probe of Maj. Gen. James Post, vice commander of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
Post made the treason comment to a roomful of officers as the Air Force was facing resistance over plans to retire the A-10, according to a widely cited military blog. Troops say it is indispensable for close air support in battle and lawmakers including Ayotte have come to their side to oppose the retirement.
The senator said the comment may have been an attempt to stamp out allowed communication between airmen and lawmakers. She also alleged during a public hearing that the Air Force may have also investigated which airmen spoke to lawmakers.
“I am sure you would agree that we must unambiguously defend the lawful right of servicemembers to communicate with Congress,” Ayotte wrote to James. “I look forward to receiving an update on the investigation’s status and reviewing the investigation’s results.”
The Air Force said Post’s comment was meant as hyperbole, but said the service’s independent watchdog, the inspector general, would investigate.
“If anyone accuses me of saying this, I will deny it … anyone who is passing information to Congress about A-10 capabilities is committing treason,” Post told an audience of officers at Nellis Air Force Base according to the blog, John Q. Public.
Last month, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh faced tough questioning about the incident and the existence of any other probes during a congressional hearing.
Welsh said he had called Post after the comment was reported in the media and that he was unaware and would be “astonished” at any Air Force probe into airmen who communicate with Congress.
The service would hold off on any conclusions about Post’s actions until the IG concludes its investigation, he said.
The Air Force wants to retire the A-10, known as the Warthog, to save money. Last year, Congress allowed it to reduce flight hours and maintenance after a bitter legislative fight.
This year’s budget proposal, unveiled this month, calls for retiring about 300 of the aircraft, estimated to save the service $4.2 billion by 2019.
Source: http://www.stripes.com/news/senator-wan ... t-1.331603
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