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July 24, 2008 8:23:36 AM CDT

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Gates to USAF: Straighten Up and Fly Right

Posted Apr 21, 08 4:46 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Robert Gates chided the Air Force today for being slow to change and for not providing enough help in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Addressing American and international student officers in Alabama, the defense secretary said getting the USAF to adapt, particularly in the use of drone aircraft, has been "like pulling teeth," the Washington Post reports.

"The challenge that I pose to you today is to become a forward-thinking officer who helps the Air Force adapt to a constantly changing strategic environment characterized by persistent conflict," said Gates, himself a onetime Air Force officer.

Source Washington Post

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Defense Secretary Robert Gates pauses after laying a wreath at the India Gate War Memorial, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in New Delhi, India.   (AP Photo/Mark Wilson, Getty Images, Pool)
Defense Secretary Robert Gate, seen here in a December file photo, says the US Air Force needs to help out more overseas and allow change to come more easily.   (AP Photo/Heesson Yim)
Robert Gates (center) criticized the US Air Force today for being slow to adapt to change.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
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Iraq  • Afghanistan  • US military  • Robert Gates  • Air Force  • defense secretary


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