National Security & Defense

In light of Mattis recent statement about desired operational readiness rates for aircraft, I presume that legitimate cost analysis won't even be followed.

But as a matter of fact, the principle you cited is just wrong. It is only the future costs that matter. It may in fact be cheaper to acquire replacement aircraft then repair the damaged ones. The airframes may turn out to be more valuable as "hangar queens" cannibalized for parts.

But I assume that a government department that can't even audit itself or accurately project costs is likely to make the most expensive decisions rather than the most efficient.