This is about our nation’s ability to deter, fight and win History has proven repeatedly that we will not have the luxury of choosing when and where we fight—not all future engagements will look like Afghanistan and Iraq Long range strike is a critical capability: – Shapes key regions – Deters potential adversaries – Yields war-winning strategic results – Minimizes conflict duration – Reduces force requirements – Minimizes casualties Modernization is essential for maintaining this capability The only thing more expensive than a first rate Air Force is a second rate Air Force 17