U.S. Air Force Outsourcing Our National Security?

As LG & Associates Search / Talent Strategy works with a number of Defense Contractors, in addition to candidates proven to perform within the top 20% of their defense-sector peers, we admit there has been quite a bit of chatter and conversation regarding the KC-X Tanker award to EADS (Airbus).

Here's the short of the matter: Last week, the U.S. Air Force awarded EADS with a $40 Billion USD contract for the KC-X Mid-Air Refueling Tanker. Boeing was passed over. The cost to our economy is not only $40 Billion USD, but also approximately 44,000 jobs. Yes, 44,00 jobs . . . as we head deeper into recessionary times. Does this make sense to outsource elements of our National Security? EADS has already been busted for trying to sell aircraft to Iran, and in addition faces a WTO case from the U.S. Government regarding Airbus tactics.

Senator Patty Murray presented a case to the President last week and brings up another outstanding point:

What happens if France – or Russia, which is pushing to increase its stake in EADS – decides it wants to slow down our military capacity because it doesn’t like our policies? Do we want another country to have that kind of control? I think that’s one of the questions we need to decide the answer to now.

If you agree with Boeing employees that this is a "slap in the face of American workers" and want to see something done about it, you can House Rep Todd Tiahrt's (R-Kansas) online petition to voice your opinion at:

Tanker Outrage: What is Your Opinion?