ACC Leaders Discuss Current, Future Challenges

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq --- The commander of Air Combat Command and members of his A-staff spoke to 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen about current and upcoming events surrounding Air Force combat operations during an Airman's Call here earlier this month.>> Gen. John Corley discussed the impact of current economic trends on Air Force funding, the future of Air Force operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the transition of ACC assets to Air Force Global Strike Command and efforts toward increasing total-force integration.>> "Fire away at me," General Corley said to open the forum. "I'm happy to take all your questions. I'm here to take aboard legitimate, tough issues and to be your advocate.">> Airman 1st Class Bhrugeshbhai Patel, a security forces Airman deployed to the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, asked how the current recession might affect funding for the war on terrorism.>> "An economic downturn inside our country oftentimes brings with it additional problems that have to be dealt with across the government, including the Department of Defense," General Corley said. "But having talked to some of the folks from President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, I can tell you that they understand what this war is about, and they understand the value of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.>> "You're going to continue to get the kind of funding you need, not just in terms of additional numbers and training, but also in terms of recapitalization to give you the tools that you need," General Corley added.