Spangdahlem implements Air Force budget guidance Published Feb. 15, 2013 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Force leaders released guidance to major commands outlining measures to mitigate the full effect of potential budget cuts in an effort to manage the risks associated with the cuts, according to Jamie M. Morin, Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force. Organizations across the Air Force, including the 52nd Fighter Wing, are reducing spending to minimize effects on personnel and mission readiness,said Maj. Allen Atwell, 52nd Comptroller Squadron commander. Some of the near-term actions implemented by the 52nd FW to reduce non-mission critical spending while ensuring critical missions continue include: · A civilian hiring freeze · Canceling temporary duties that are not mission critical · Curtailing flying operations · Limiting supply purchases to only mission essential needs · Deferring non-emergency facility projects except projects necessary to ensure compliance with Air Force and Department of Defense regulations, as well as safety of personnel and resources. Mission critical requirements here are determined by commanders, with support provided by unit resource advisors, as well as financial, contracting, civilian personnel professionals. Should sequestration occur, 52nd FW leadership will identify critical programs that must be funded, explained Atwell. While personnel here will notice cuts in certain areas, they will still have the resources needed to defend U.S. and Allied interests, Atwell added. "We're all working together as a team to achieve the Saber mission," Atwell said. "Currently because of the fiscally constrained budget environment, we have to do so by scrutinizing what we spend to ensure it's only on mission critical resources."