Before this Congress considers moving forward with mandates on end strength, we need to consider how we might pay for that to ensure both readiness and modernization.

I hope we do not mirror the B-2 program or the F-22 program in the sense that we actually achieve the number of aircraft we want to since the Air Force and our Nation badly need the B-21 bomber to be a complete success.

I want to actually touch on something related here about training times.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are an increasingly potent resource on the battlefield.

The Air Force has faced some challenges normalizing the integration of unmanned aircraft into institutional processes.

I make the comparison and ask the question to highlight the challenges the Air Force has...

The Director of National Intelligence testified last year that the global threat environment was as severe as he had ever seen it in 45 years.

The hearing will come to order.

I have heard a lot from commanders around the world in different combatant commands in the different services about diminishing weapon stockpiles.

If the decision is to proceed with the sole source award for the helicopter replacement program, are you prepared to present this committee with the overwhelming evidence necessary that such an award would actually provide best value to…

Why do you think there is such an unmet demand signal?

What are the Air Force's plans for the five operational C-130H aircraft that were upgraded in the previous AMP program but are currently stored at Little Rock Air Force Base in a non-flying status?

I understand--correct me if I am wrong--that the helicopter will be used both for the ICBM security mission and then for what you might call Washington-centric missions, continuity of government, VIP transport, and so forth.

Your testimony and all other written testimony will be written into the record.

Thank you very much for your service. We appreciate everything you do for our country.

I certainly understand the need for secrecy among many of the programs of our military, as well as our intelligence communities, and highly value those.

Not many examples of something that is more suitable for OCO spending than replenishing rounds. Is there?

As I understand, the budget tables include no funding for fiscal year 2017. Is that right?