Roche Says Air Force Needs Funding for Research.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Air Force Secretary James Roche - Brief Article

"How in heaven's name can we set in motion what's needed so that there is innovation 10 years from now?" asked Air Force Secretary James Roche at a recent aerospace power seminar. "There is something sick here, gang," he said, noting that the F-22, being developed as the Air Force's flagship aircraft, is already 20 years old.

Roche said he has four goals going into his job as secretary of the Air Force. "One is to work with my colleagues to have a strategy we can explain to everyone for this era. Two is people: we're going to have to fit in how to think about the people." Third, Roche said, was the concern about saving money, and fourth, is his goal to support innovation, research and development.

Roche indicated that more research must be done in the area of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Outgoing Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan shares Roche's enthusiasm for TSR. Ryan indicated at a separate meeting with defense reporters that ISR represents an "unfunded" need. "There is a huge demand for ISR out in the military and national security community. If the...