F-35B

So it appears that the STOVL variant of the F-35 program is a sticking point.  As a result there may be a move to drop the B to focus on the A/C variants.  While this would be a logical decision for the program managers to make, it creates a hole in the ability of a The Marines to field the Combined Arms that are so critical to our effectiveness, and the overall expeditionary strategy employed.

If I was POTUS, I think I would be discretely messaging the Sec Def that this particular variant is not on the cut list.  You can delay the program to get the A and C variants fielded sooner but, B has to be completed and fielded with x months of the acceptance of the first production A and Cs.

Without going into all the details, and a long paper on justifying that position I offer you these two visuals.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 20, 2010) An AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 prepares to land aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is underway in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl)

One thing I know from all of the systems engineering and integration programs that I have been involved in, deploying something that removes current capabilities is a recipe for failure.