[Goose]

The level of advance planning you advocate might have been possible a year ago (though I doubt that). At this point, we aren’t remotely close to the type of planning for which you advocate. IMHO, no point in pining for something completely unattainable.

Actually it was required two years ago. That would have made the F-16s available in time for the 2023 offensives. In terms of what was/is "possible", it was clearly foreseeable that we may need F-16 capability by spring/summer of 2023. You are correct that we were not thinking that way at a governmental level. I don't "pine" for that type of planning, but I do believe that ignoring our deficiencies ensures they will continue. They may anyway, unfortunately. IMO our military is capable of making such determinations and delivering appropriate advice. It is probable our politicians wouldn't follow it, but back in 2022 there was a very much better chance they would than there is today.

[Goose]

The level of advance planning you advocate might have been possible a year ago (though I doubt that). At this point, we aren’t remotely close to the type of planning for which you advocate. IMHO, no point in pining for something completely unattainable.

Actually it was required two years ago. That would have made the F-16s available in time for the 2023 offensives. In terms of what was/is "possible", it was clearly foreseeable that we may need F-16 capability by spring/summer of 2023. You are correct that we were not thinking that way at a governmental level. I don't "pine" for that type of planning, but I do believe that ignoring our deficiencies ensures they will continue. They may anyway, unfortunately. IMO our military is capable of making such determinations and delivering appropriate advice. It is probable our politicians wouldn't follow it, but back in 2022 there was a very much better chance they would than there is today.