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

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.

Maybe our society should pay them the respect they deserve then and honor their service and not attach any stigma to what they do since they are keeping us safe in our beds at night.

The answer to the question right now, will the Air Force use enlisted personnel to fly the MQ-1/MQ-9, is maybe.

I still have my doubts about that.

It seems like a challenging balance to get back to the pre-positioned activity set.

It sounds to me like it is not working very well.

Thank you, gentlemen, for your testimony here today, and also for your long service to our country.

The current budget request has rhetorically acknowledged an increase of worldwide threats.

What bearing does that particular characteristic have on the decision that should ultimately hinge on best value to the taxpayer?