Two weeks ago the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen Norton A. Schwartz, delivered an exceptional speech to a conference hosted by the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis and the International Security Studies Program of the Fletcher School. What I liked about the speech is that Gen Schwartz made the case for why Airpower is important. Its “essentiality” to today’s fight and tomorrow’s deterrence has, in my view, not been appreciated by … well … almost everyone. You can find the speech at: http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100121-002.pdf
Secondly, a piece that appeared in the Omaha World-Herald by Gen (Ret) Mike Loh is very thoughtful … and had the added benefit of being concise. In it, he argued (among other things) that we need to get moving to field a new bomber within 10 years. Given Sec Gate’s statement this week that DOD plans a new bomber for the late 2020s, I’d ask you to contrast both views with and consider what this nation needs – in these difficult economic times. You can find a link to the piece on our website at: http://www.omaha.com/article/20091207/NEWS0802/712079997
Finally,
Just prior to the start of the Air Force-BYU football game, Sept. 22, 2009, this video was broadcast in the BYU stadium in Provo, Utah. Later, the USAF Academy Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Gould, showed this clip to the faculty and staff. He told everyone that BYU ran it minutes before the kickoff at the game. He was clearly moved by it, as were those who watched it.
I exchanged emails with General Gould … and he confirmed the accuracy of the above email. This weekend, where most of the nation will be focused on the Superbowl, it behooves all of us to remember …
You can find the YouTube link at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=72OhOWFMf84
STEM & Cong Military Family Caucus
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal published an article that caught my attention. It was focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
Takeaways from the article:
The US remains the world’s science and technology leader, but other countries are gaining ground.
Over the last 10 years, US R&D spending rose 5-6% per year, but ... China's rose over 20% per year
The US awarded 22,500 doctorates in natural sciences and engineering in 2007 -- with half of them going to foreign nationals.
Additionally, I checked out the National Science Board report ... upon which this article was based. There is a lot of information in this document -- I found a couple of interesting facts in the highlight section, starting on page 4:
On-time graduation rate from high school remains steady ... at 73%. [Gasp!!]
In 2005, 94% of classrooms in U.S. public schools had computers with Internet access, and the ratio of students to instructional computers was 4:1.
Secondly, I met last week with a staffer in the office of Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. It seems the Congresswoman has -- with support of others -- started a Military Family Caucus -- which has 95 members. If your Representative is not on the list, please contact your MLA to get them interested. You can find the list here. [Note: there are at least 3 or more members not listed.]
For your consideration,
Mike
Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal published an article that caught my attention. It was focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
Takeaways from the article:
The US remains the world’s science and technology leader, but other countries are gaining ground.
Over the last 10 years, US R&D spending rose 5-6% per year, but ... China's rose over 20% per year
The US awarded 22,500 doctorates in natural sciences and engineering in 2007 -- with half of them going to foreign nationals.
Additionally, I checked out the National Science Board report ... upon which this article was based. There is a lot of information in this document -- I found a couple of interesting facts in the highlight section, starting on page 4:
On-time graduation rate from high school remains steady ... at 73%. [Gasp!!]
In 2005, 94% of classrooms in U.S. public schools had computers with Internet access, and the ratio of students to instructional computers was 4:1.
Secondly, I met last week with a staffer in the office of Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. It seems the Congresswoman has -- with support of others -- started a Military Family Caucus -- which has 95 members. If your Representative is not on the list, please contact your MLA to get them interested. You can find the list here. [Note: there are at least 3 or more members not listed.]
For your consideration,
Mike
Nuclear Forces
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
AFA Members, Congressional Staffers, Civic Leaders, and DOCA members, I’ve been “comm out” with you for the past couple of weeks. My staff has had me on the Hill almost every day … lots going on.
I want to concentrate this note on the negotiations with Russia on the Follow-On START treaty and its resultant implications on our nuclear force structure … as well as the upcoming Nuclear Posture Review – which we expect to be published on 1 March or so.
There have been many interesting pieces published recently which shed light on the subject. The first, by Drs Lieber and Press, appeared in Foreign Affairs, Nov-Dec. In it, the authors argue that the US nuclear deterrent has been successful for the past 65 years – so successful that it has been taken for granted. Further, they believe that nuclear deterrence in the 21st century will be much more complicated (and dangerous) than in the past. Achieving the right mix of forces will be essential for the future.
The second piece I want to bring to your attention was written by Dr. Lowther, Air Force Research Institute. In it the author disputes the logic, point by point, of those who want to go to zero nuclear weapons.
The third piece is takes a different tack. It is by the so-called four horsemen – Msrs. Shultz, Perry, Kissinger, and Nunn. The piece points out that as we decrease our warhead numbers, it is increasingly important to modernize the nuclear infrastructure of our nation.
My own views? I wrote a short piece that was published here on the website of Second Line of Defense. In it I argue that much has been written on this subject … yet too much of it are based on myths which have not been proven to be true.
Finally, I would urge you to poke around on the Second Line of Defense website. It has many innovative pieces that you just can’t find elsewhere. Its homepage is here.
For your consideration,
Mike
AFA Members, Congressional Staffers, Civic Leaders, and DOCA members, I’ve been “comm out” with you for the past couple of weeks. My staff has had me on the Hill almost every day … lots going on.
I want to concentrate this note on the negotiations with Russia on the Follow-On START treaty and its resultant implications on our nuclear force structure … as well as the upcoming Nuclear Posture Review – which we expect to be published on 1 March or so.
There have been many interesting pieces published recently which shed light on the subject. The first, by Drs Lieber and Press, appeared in Foreign Affairs, Nov-Dec. In it, the authors argue that the US nuclear deterrent has been successful for the past 65 years – so successful that it has been taken for granted. Further, they believe that nuclear deterrence in the 21st century will be much more complicated (and dangerous) than in the past. Achieving the right mix of forces will be essential for the future.
The second piece I want to bring to your attention was written by Dr. Lowther, Air Force Research Institute. In it the author disputes the logic, point by point, of those who want to go to zero nuclear weapons.
The third piece is takes a different tack. It is by the so-called four horsemen – Msrs. Shultz, Perry, Kissinger, and Nunn. The piece points out that as we decrease our warhead numbers, it is increasingly important to modernize the nuclear infrastructure of our nation.
My own views? I wrote a short piece that was published here on the website of Second Line of Defense. In it I argue that much has been written on this subject … yet too much of it are based on myths which have not been proven to be true.
Finally, I would urge you to poke around on the Second Line of Defense website. It has many innovative pieces that you just can’t find elsewhere. Its homepage is here.
For your consideration,
Mike
Fighter Gap
Today's Daily Report from AIR FORCE Magazine, reveals plans to slowdown the early year production of the F-35 Lightning II, the only active fifth generation fighter program following the early shutdown of the F-22 Raptor.
The long-expected fighter gap will begin in earnest with the retirement of 250 legacy fighters, a decision that AFA has supported as necessary to the Air Force's ability to manage the fleet. With an average age of around 25 years, many more retirements are sure to follow creating a "bathtub" effect until the full production of the F-35 begins taking up the slack years from now.
Perhaps a larger concern is if decisions about the F-35 begin to echo the arguments made for the premature demise of the F-22. What are your thoughts about the developing fighter gap?
The long-expected fighter gap will begin in earnest with the retirement of 250 legacy fighters, a decision that AFA has supported as necessary to the Air Force's ability to manage the fleet. With an average age of around 25 years, many more retirements are sure to follow creating a "bathtub" effect until the full production of the F-35 begins taking up the slack years from now.
Perhaps a larger concern is if decisions about the F-35 begin to echo the arguments made for the premature demise of the F-22. What are your thoughts about the developing fighter gap?
Reading List
AFA Members, Congressional Staffers, Civic Leaders, and DOCA members, as the holidays approach us, I want to both thank you for your support of this Association and mention [albeit a bit late] a gift idea for almost anyone in your family – namely books. Every officer, senior NCO, staffer, and civic leader should be on a book-reading program. Most senior officers I know read 2-3 books per month. When I was President of the National Defense University, I read at least one per week. Moreover, junior officers/NCOs should read almost as much.
What should you read? There are lots of ideas, reading lists, etc out there. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force has a suggested reading list (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123127118); so does the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/jcs/reading-list.htm). And there are many other good ones.
Since the Air Force Association was chartered by General of the Air Force Hap Arnold to educate the public about Airpower, I decided to put together my own reading list – which is focused on Airpower. I downloaded each of the Service Chiefs’ and CJCS’ lists; reviewed the lists from commandants of war colleges, looked again at Chairman Ike Skelton’s reading list, and many others. Then I emailed 10 or so Airpower experts for their opinion; consolidated all the data and went out to them a second time. No list is perfect, but I think this one provides a starting point and is a list that any serious Airman or Airpower advocate should consider. We have put it on our website at: http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2009/ReadingList_1209.asp.
Final suggestions for you –
One thing I do is read the Pulitzer prize winners for Biographies and Non fiction every year.
When I was on active duty [early in my career], I received plaques when I transferred PCS. I have found that books – signed by everyone (or perhaps just the leaders) in my unit – make better gifts. Not only do I read them – but they have a special place in my library – long after the plaques have faded, been tossed away, or lost by the movers.
Having a hard time finding time to read? Get up 20 minutes early every morning and read; have a book in a place you know you will spend time; forgo a re-run TV show; Get books on tape if you have a long commute to work; Put a book by your bedside; (I have found Clausewitz’s On War is better than any sleeping pill.) [Just kidding]. You can find the time … but you have to look for it.
My best to each of you this Holiday season. Merry Christmas; Happy Hanukkah; Seasons greetings; and Happy New Year.
Respectfully,
Mike
Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association
What should you read? There are lots of ideas, reading lists, etc out there. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force has a suggested reading list (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123127118); so does the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/jcs/reading-list.htm). And there are many other good ones.
Since the Air Force Association was chartered by General of the Air Force Hap Arnold to educate the public about Airpower, I decided to put together my own reading list – which is focused on Airpower. I downloaded each of the Service Chiefs’ and CJCS’ lists; reviewed the lists from commandants of war colleges, looked again at Chairman Ike Skelton’s reading list, and many others. Then I emailed 10 or so Airpower experts for their opinion; consolidated all the data and went out to them a second time. No list is perfect, but I think this one provides a starting point and is a list that any serious Airman or Airpower advocate should consider. We have put it on our website at: http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2009/ReadingList_1209.asp.
Final suggestions for you –
One thing I do is read the Pulitzer prize winners for Biographies and Non fiction every year.
When I was on active duty [early in my career], I received plaques when I transferred PCS. I have found that books – signed by everyone (or perhaps just the leaders) in my unit – make better gifts. Not only do I read them – but they have a special place in my library – long after the plaques have faded, been tossed away, or lost by the movers.
Having a hard time finding time to read? Get up 20 minutes early every morning and read; have a book in a place you know you will spend time; forgo a re-run TV show; Get books on tape if you have a long commute to work; Put a book by your bedside; (I have found Clausewitz’s On War is better than any sleeping pill.) [Just kidding]. You can find the time … but you have to look for it.
My best to each of you this Holiday season. Merry Christmas; Happy Hanukkah; Seasons greetings; and Happy New Year.
Respectfully,
Mike
Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association
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