US Air Force to downsize

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - The Air Force says it will cut the service by nearly 10,000 active, National Guard and Reserve airmen next year, as part of a broad move to downsize and shift capabilities around the country to be better prepared for wars of the future.

Air Force leaders say more than half of the personnel cuts, and much of the aircraft and other equipment moves, will be borne by the Air Guard.

The Air Force says the service cannot absorb any further cuts in active duty forces because that would limit their ability to respond to multiple crises. National Guard leaders are criticizing the cuts.

About 3,900 active duty, 5,100 Air Guard and 900 Air Force reserves would be cut in the next year.