Posted on 06/05/2011 7:43:14 PM PDT by DefenseMatters
The Honorable Michael B. Donley Secretary of the Air Force 1060 Air Force, Pentagon Washington, DC 20330-1670
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing to you about an issue of significant importance, the Light Air Support program to supply aircraft and training to the Afghanistan National Army Air Corps as well as support our partner building efforts with other allies. This is of interest to me as I was elected to Congress to protect the American taxpayer and to protect this country’s national interests and security.
I served in Afghanistan training afghan officers to take on the responsibility of securing their own country. I can personally attest to the need for this program. As we prepare to drawdown our troops, it only becomes more important. We must equip our partners with the aircraft and training they need to defend against terrorist organizations. Our security depends on it.
When it comes to the LAS mission, there is no room for politics in the procurement process. Too much time already has been wasted by political maneuvering since U.S. commanders in Afghanistan urgently requested light attack aircraft suited to the irregular warfare there. Our government must act now to select the aircraft capable of the mission.
As I understand it, there are two contenders for the contract. One is offering a plane specifically built for this type of mission, that was instrumental in defeating the FARC in Columbia and that has logged over 100,000 flight hours, 16,000 of which have been in combat without a loss. The other is offering a version of its trainer aircraft that is not in service anywhere in the world and has yet to certified to drop weapons.
The Request for Proposal was explicit instating that the aircraft selected must be non-developmental and that technical criteria must be the primary selection criteria. I would further expect that criteria including airworthiness previous operational performance and certification should factor into the consideration process. It is the low-risk, high-value option that must be selected.
I believe, as I know you do, that a fair and open competition will benefit our nation, our war fighters and our allies. I would appreciate being kept up-to-date on the schedule and results of this acquisition process.
Very Respectfully,
Allen B. West Member of Congress
I pray I get the opportunity to vote for West for president.
http://allenwest2012.ning.com/page/a-million-go-west
Please tell me this is not a case of keeping constituents happy in his district, though. The defense companies (and others, I’m sure) have become adept at scattering their facilities all over the country so that every time the military wants to cut some project or other, the company can be sure that a congressman will speak up to stop them.
It’s how the game is played. I hope Col. West is not a player.
born February 7, 1961 in Atlanta, GA (Meets the Jus Soli Requirement)
Parents were
Herman (Buck) West, born in AL
Elizabeth (Snooks) West, born in GA
Both parents were US Citizens at the time of his birth (Meets the Jus Sanguinis Requirement)
Allen West is a NATURAL BORN CITIZEN
Barry Soetoro aka Barack Hussein Obama ISN'T!
72:1:12
Is West addressing the underreported stink of cronyism?
WEST 2012 - LOVE THIS MAN!!! We need a Bibi-esque leader!
Me too! Love West, Palin, Cain, Bachmann, Bolton
Palin/West 2012 They have my vote.
Any one for president and the rest cabinet!
“If all goes as planned, one of these new light fighters could head to the battlefield by 2013.”
And if they’d take West’s advice, they could have Tucanos in the air above Afghanland by August?
I trust West to look out for America first.
absolutely. i agree with you.
...to even consider he would do this for “cronyism” for his district, is beyond ludicrous.
...he proved that, with words not actions, when he sacrificed his entire career, to save the lives of his men.
his integrity, is BEYOND question.
(and his brains are top notch too. he doesn’t know just military issues. he is one of the MOST fiscally conservative up there. his plan for cutting corporate taxes, and much more, is incredibly well thought out.
...and most important to me, he KNOWS the real threat Islam is, to the entire world. he knows the history of the past 1300 years...)
And he rolls off historical facts like no one I have ever seen. He is an amazing American!
Frankly, Beech is going to make enough money on King Airs for the ISR mission.
What they are promising for this mission is a political fight today, to meet yesterday's requirements, the day after tomorrow.
Light Air Support, thanks DefenseMatters.
I agree with your comments 100%. He is the man we need for President. If not in 2012, then 2016. He should at least be VP or Secretary of Defense. I highly respect this man and believe him to be a Patriot and great American. Grey Eagle
Exactly!
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