In F-35 Debate, U.S. Air Force Leaders Bully Critics by Dan Ward, War is Boring
Shortly before I retired from active duty at a small Air Force base outside of Boston, I received a cryptic voice mail from an unfamiliar colonel. He identified himself as working at the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program office in Washington, D.C. and he wanted me to call him back ASAP.
I had recently published a pair of articles about the F-35 (I’m not a fan), and although both articles had been approved by my chain of command and the base public affairs office, something about his message made my Spidey-sense tingle. I called him back despite my misgivings and we played a few rounds of phone tag before he left a more detailed message that explained the reason for his call.
“I read your article about the Joint Strike Fighter. You need to come to my office for an extended visit so we can show you how the largest program in the DoD does business.” Before I had an opportunity to respond, he continued “If you refuse to come, I will elevate this issue to your commander.”
This was not an invitation, it was a summons. A demand. A threat. He clearly did not view this as an optional activity, but frankly I had no intention of making that trip…