A message from the 412th TW Commander Published Jan. 23, 2013 By Brig. Gen. Michael T. Brewer 412th Test Wing commander EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards, First let me take a moment to tell each and every one of you how proud I am of the efforts you made in ensuring we passed our IG inspection. This inspection was a thorough scrub of our programs by over 160 inspectors during the last two weeks. The last of the IG team left Jan. 22. Your pride and professionallism did not go unnoticed and was specifically called out by the IG team leadership. I want to thank you all for what you do every day in support of our mission. Looking ahead over the next few months we will be facing a climate of budgetary uncertainty which necessitates that the Air Force take immediate action to reduce our expenditure rate. Last Friday, we received guidance from the Secretary of Defense to begin implementing prudent measures that will help mitigate our budget risks, to ensure these measures are reversible and recoverable, and to the extent feasible, minimize any harmful effects on readiness. Some of these actions include curtailing non-readiness or mission essential flying and travel; curtailing or stopping minor purchases such as furniture and routine computer/software purchases; deferring non-emergency facility sustainment, restoration and modernization; and restricting civilian hiring and possible temporary/term employee limits. We are working to determine how best to implement the directed actions while ensuring our mission is accomplished. We are very early in this budget cycle. So now is the time to follow the WWII British adage, "Stay Calm and Carry On". We'll get through this period of uncertainty. I know that I can count on you, the men and women of Team Edwards, to continue to be good stewards of the taxpayer's dollars. At the end of the day, there is no one better at delivering combat capability to the field. Thank you again for all you do!