By Associated Press - Thursday, February 6, 2014

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) - With a serious strain on the national debt, the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force suggested in a report last week that the branch reduce its number of active airmen to provide relief.

As a result, the Air Force is now looking to reduce its numbers by upwards of 25,000 airmen, which means Keesler Air Force Base could see its force cut by close to eight percent by the end of 2014.

Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby tells The Sun Herald (https://bit.ly/1eAnhAy ) the report was an effort to be completely up front and transparent about spending challenges facing the Air Force.

Higby said Keesler has about 1,100 airmen who are eligible for voluntary separation programs, and another 862 who are eligible for involuntary programs.

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Information from: The Sun Herald, https://www.sunherald.com

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