It’s a squadron (not squad) of A-10s. The avenger cannon is 30MM (not 20MM). The USAF wants to retire A-10’s ASAP.
A-10’s funded through 2030. Air Force wants to retire them earlier but because of JSF problems, won’t be able to.
The bipartisan defense budget that passed through the House Thursday includes strict language mandating the Air Force not execute any plans to retire the A-10 Warthog. The legislation specifically blocks the Air Force from spending any money to divest A-10s through calendar year 2014.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh has said the service needs to retired older, single mission aircraft like the A-10 in order to reserve funding for newer aircraft like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which is slotted to take over the A-10’s close air support role.
In service since the 70’s, the twin-engine jet aircraft is designed to provide ground troops with close air support by using its armored fuselage for protection, flying low to the ground to track and hit enemies and firing deadly 30mm rotary cannons.
Lawmakers have pushed back against any talk of the A-10’s retirement. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., blocked the nomination of the Air Force secretary, citing her concerns about Air Force’s A-10 plans and Defense Department struggles to bring the Joint Strike Fighter online. . .
http://defensetech.org/2013/12/13/bill-blocks-air-force-from-retiring-a-10-warthog/
Why?, if you don't mind my asking. They aren't sexy, but they are impressive in flight, and by accounts a durable and effective weapons platform.