Army Chief Not Concerned About Looming A-10 Retirement
By Jon Harper
The Army’s top officer said he isn’t worried about the possibility that the A-10 will be retired in the coming years, expressing confidence that the Air Force will be able to deliver the close-air support that U.S. ground forces need.
Air Force leaders have been pushing to remove the Thunderbolt II from the fleet, citing the need to save money and invest in higher priority capabilities. Service leaders have said that other aircraft, such as the F-35 joint strike fighter, could perform the close-air support role.
Proposals to retire the A-10 have drawn criticism, including from members of Congress who have argued that taking the aircraft out of service would put soldiers at risk. But Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said he isn’t wringing his hands about it, and he has no preference for any particular aircraft when it comes to supporting troops on the battlefield.
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