The Elmo thing was mentioned when they announced the Charlotte transition to the 17. As for Hickam, that was mentioned by a friend that was in the unit. The idea was mentioned because it is very seldom that a mission originates from Hawaii. Everything has to be shipped there so why do we have aircraft stationed where there is an oceanic flight to even initiate the mission?
As for sending people to a unit that is closing. First it's supposed to be 2018 so you still have to accomplish the mission. Second, ask anyone who went up there in the active duty 130 squadron how it worked out for them. That unit lasted less than two years.
The overmanned numbers came from AFPC about six months ago. As stated from the functional "If you were an IP in the C-17 and are now in AETC don't expect to go back. Expect a staff job next".
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