I would just ask that this clearly become a merit-based decisionmaking that looks strategically at what makes sense and be the most cost-efficient use of taxpayer funds.

The Air Force recently saved maintenance funds by increasing competition in the KC-10 Extender Logistics Support program.

What do you think is the impact on readiness in that area of the world?

Dr. Robyn, are you concerned that the decreases in Services' budgets for MILCON projects to replace current facilities over the past 3 years is leading to a strain on O&M accounts that are used to maintain these deteriorated facilities?

Lieutenant General Reno, do you anticipate having to invest in system upgrades to the KC-135 in the interim before the transition to KC-46As?

do the plans for your respective Services over the next 5 years include a return of depot operations funding back into the base budget at levels that will maintain an adequate workload?

Are you confident that sufficient resources will be available through at least 2016 or 2017?

Finally, has the Air Force determined what manpower will be required to maintain the KC-46A at the base level?

If such wartime funds are not available, substantial amounts of funding for war-related expenses may be required from within the base budget for DOD.

Is the Air Force in reality reducing maintenance efforts on each aircraft in order to respond to decreased funding levels?

The Air Force is committed to providing the warfighter with the same capability levels while achieving these efficiencies.

Without the support of the logistics community, obviously, our men and women fighting on the front lines wouldn't be able to do what they're doing and have the successes that they have had.