This train of events reinforces your point (USAF going to UAVs) as
well as the point that we should have stuck with older, less expensive
designs.

Depends on what you consider the primary job of the air force. If it is to defend the country, then it should stick with whatever (in the big picture) works best for this. (I have no opinion as to what that is). If it is to train pilots, then you are clearly correct.

Jose
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