ASSESSMENTS
U.S.: A Break From the Air Force 'Fighter Mafia'
Jun 10, 2008 | 15:03 GMT
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Summary
On June 9, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recommended that President George W. Bush nominate a general officer from outside the fighter community to head the U.S. Air Force. If confirmed, Gen. Norton Schwartz would break a reign of some straight 25 years of fighter pilots in the Air Force's top job — a break that comes at a significant time for the service.