Air Force Association Blog

Next Air Force Breakfast Series: March 27

2012-03-07T14:49:00.000-05:00

AFA is pleased to announce Lt. Gen. Christopher D. Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, as the guest speaker for the March session of AFA’s 2012 Air Force Breakfast Program. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.

As Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs for Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Lt. Gen. Miller leads the development and integration of the Air Force's long-range plans and the five-year, $635 billion U.S. Air Force Future Years Defense Program to ensure Air Force ability to build and employ effective air, space and cyber forces to achieve national defense objectives.

The Air Force Breakfast Program is a monthly series that provides a venue for senior Air Force and Department of Defense leaders to communicate directly with the public and the press. Past speakers include Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Gen. Gary L. North, Commander of Pacific Air Forces; Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Commander of Air Force Materiel Command; and Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, Deputy Director of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.

Please register online at http://afamarchbkft2012.eventbrite.com.

The Crystal City Marriott is located at 1999 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202. (Hotel entrance can be found at 20th & S. Bell St).

Note from AFA President -- China, Dragons, AU

2012-03-07T03:00:00.002-05:00

On Monday, the People’s Republic of China announced its defense spending level. [Recall that we are decreasing ours…and have adopted a strategy of emphasis on the Pacific.] What are the Chinese doing? They raised their defense spending by 11.2%. However, they said this was actually a decrease in the increase – last year they raised spending by 12.7% … and back in 2008, the increase was over 15%. These double digit increases in defense spending have been going on for almost two decades … and of course, this is just the “official” defense budget. It does not include acquisition of foreign weapons systems and other expenses. Last year the Administration estimated the real defense budget was 40-70% higher than the PRC released figures.

Secondly, Tom Friedman, editorial writer for the New York Times, published what I thought was an interesting piece – entitled “There Be Dragons.” It’s about the ongoing struggle in the Middle East. A quote from the piece to interest you:

“The Arab/Muslim awakening phase is over. Now we are deep into the counter-revolutionary phase, as the dead hands of the past try to strangle the future. I am ready to consider any ideas of how we in the West can help the forces of democracy and decency win. But, ultimately, this is their fight. They have to own it, and I just hope it doesn’t end — as it often does in the land of dragons — with extremists going all the way and the moderates just going away.”

You can find it at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/opinion/friedman-there-be-dragons.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=thomas%20friedman&st=cse

Finally, a while back, one of you sent me a link to an Air University Airpower Course … that is online and available for viewing by the public. I took a look at several of the lessons (they are all short videos) and found them to be very good. My congratulations to the Air University. You can find the course at this link: http://www.apc.maxwell.af.mil/main.htm

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

Note from AFA President -- Putin, Cyber Sentinal, CyberFutures

2012-03-05T03:00:00.002-05:00

Recently, I came across an op-ed written by Prime Minister Putin from Russia. The piece was entitled: “Being Strong – Why Russia needs to Rebuild its Military.” What was interesting in the short piece (which appeared in Foreign Policy.com) is that what the Prime Minister writes could very well be applicable to the US. A few quotes to illustrate this point:

“In a world of upheaval there is always the temptation to resolve one's problems at another's expense, through pressure and force.”

“In other words, we should not tempt anyone by allowing ourselves to be weak. We will, under no circumstances, surrender our strategic deterrent capability. Indeed, we will strengthen it.”

“We see ever new regional and local wars breaking out. We see new areas of instability and deliberately managed chaos.”

I will only offer one point on this piece – as I am sure many of you will respond with your own points of view. Think what might have happened if we had used a portion of the stimulus funds for the Department of Defense. Not only would the Services have been able to begin the process of reconstitution of their worn out equipment, but in the case of the Air Force, they would have been able to invest in new aircraft the nation would operate over the next 30 years. We could have poured money into a segment of our economy which produces great middle class jobs, results in a positive balance of trade of $40+B per year, encourages the study of sciences and math, and is the engine of growth for the future. You can find the link here: http://r.listpilot.net/c/afa/6zc1uf3/2z63p

Secondly, if you have not taken a look at our new CyberFutures Conference here in the Washington, DC area, you need to do so. We have a great line up of speakers … this in an area of growth for both the government and industry. More on this in a future note … but for now you can find information about it at: http://www.afa.org/events/CyberFutures/2012/default.asp

Finally, we have published – online – our second edition of our CyberPatriot newsletter. It is pitched toward a high school audience, however, I am always surprised when we get notes from adults … and middle schoolers on some of the piece. We had a “naming contest” for the newsletter and the winner was a student from the Anoka County Composite Squadron (Minnesota Wing, Civil Air Patrol). She suggested “The CyberSentinel.” Caitlin will receive an Apple iPod Shuffle. You can find The CyberSentinel here: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Documents/CyberSentinel_Feb2012.pdf

For your consideration.Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association “The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

Note from AFA President -- CSAF/SECAFx2, op-ed

2012-03-02T03:00:00.004-05:00

Last week Secretary of the Air Force Donley and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Schwartz both gave interesting talks at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium. What struck me about both talks was the severity of the defense cuts to DOD … as well as what the future might hold if sequestration kicks in on 1 Jan 13. [Recall that sequestration is what happened when the “Super Committee” failed to agree on spending cuts last fall.] Sequestration will hit every DOD account at the same percentage level and cause almost every DOD contract to be renegotiated. It will levy another $500B cut on DOD – one that the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have called “devastating.”

You can find Sec Donley’s talk here: http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120229-014.pdf

You can find Gen Schwartz’s talk here: http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120223-024.pdf

Secondly, in a little noticed piece in the American Interest, Gen Schwartz and the Chief of Naval Operations ADM Greenert have published a very good piece which describes the concept of Air-Sea Battle.

A quote from the piece to interest you:

“With Air-Sea Battle, we are reinvigorating the historic partnership between our two departments to protect the freedom of the commons and ensure operational access for the Joint Force. Air-Sea Battle provides the concepts, capabilities and investments needed to overcome the challenges posed by emerging threats to access like ballistic and cruise missiles, advanced submarines and fighters, electronic warfare and mines.”

You can find a link to the piece at: http://www.the-american-interest.com/article.cfm?piece=1212

Finally, a number of our members have published op-eds in the past several weeks. I will send you some of the best ones in the future. To start you on the right track, I offer one by Gen (Ret) Loh that appeared in the Kansas City Star: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/21/3443207/airpower-provides-deterrence-at.html

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

Note from AFA President -- Mitchell Hour

2012-03-01T12:45:00.002-05:00

The past few months we’ve been able to increase the number of Mitchell Hours here, allowing more opportunities for dialogue on the issues affecting our national security, military and the aerospace community. With the recent release of the FY13 Budget by the Administration last month, we’ve been able to bring in some great speakers to dissect this new budget, and lay out what it means for the way ahead. (On Feb 17, we had a great presentation from Todd Harrison from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, who presented a brief on what the new budget means for the Air Force.)

Next week, March 7, we want to invite you all to explore what the new budget means for the defense industrial base with Dr. Nayantara Hensel, Professor of Industry and Business, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Mr. Fred Downey, Vice President, National Security, Aerospace Industries Association. Both have been speakers at our past conferences and bring a great level of expertise to the subject. Will DOD be able to maintain investments in science and technology as well as research and development? What kind of impact will cuts to various acquisition programs mean for industry? Does the new budget and proposed cuts offer an opportunity for ‘reversibility’?

You can read more on the event here: http://march7mitchell2012.eventbrite.com.

Remember space is limited … and it is first come, first served for those who register. Also, all Mitchell Hours are free to attend and are held at AFA Headquarters – 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA.

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association “The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

CyberFutures ... 3 weeks away!

2012-03-01T03:00:00.016-05:00

Now that we've entered into the month of March, we are gearing up for another national conference! AFA's 2nd Annual CyberFutures Conference will be March 22 - 23, 2012, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland (just minutes from downtown DC).

Our CyberFutures Conference will have informative presentations from the nation’s top IT and cyber leaders, from government, military, industry and academia. It's a truly unique event that brings together cyber security specialists from around the world to discuss the cyber security issues and challenges facing America today.

Throughout the month, we'll be highlighting some of the great speakers we have lined up for you. This year promises to be even better than last year's, as we've changed the format to include concurrent sessions, workshops and panels -- allowing attendees several more options/opportunities for professional development.

Just check back on the blog throughout the month to find out more information on this premier event!

Salute to Black History Month

2012-02-29T03:10:00.003-05:00

February is nationally dedicated as a time to honor the many contributions made to our country by African Americans. It serves as an opportunity to commemorate many individuals’ legacy of leadership and salute the excellence displayed by those who have played a vital role in the history of our nation. Their patriotism, loyalty and leadership, coupled with their labor, determination and intellect, have socially enriched our national community.

AFA is proud to recognize the great service and sacrifice of African American veterans throughout our country’s history, and we continue to appreciate the dedication of those serving our country. So, as Black History Month comes to an end, we’d like to share with you a very special and personal interview we conducted with Tuskegee Airman Charles E. McGee when he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame last year.

Q & A with Tuskegee Airmen Col. Charlie McGee:

Q: The Tuskegee airmen are a true legacy. Today you’re being inducted into the aviation hall of fame, what does this mean to you?

McGee: Well, this is indeed a … honor because there was no expectation that my experiences would qualify me to join such a distinguished group of folks in aviation. As a pilot, certainly, I’ve been a part of the aviation community but to reach this level of recognition is – I’m humbled, indeed.

Q: What was one of your most memorable moments in World War II participating with the legendary 332nd fighter group?

McGee: There’s probably several things that happened but the fact that we were able to come together and accomplish something that many believed wasn’t possible was certainly a part of what that experience has meant and what it has given us. But fortunately we came together, became an adhesive group that performed for a nation assigned to a level that was very meaningful to the future of our aviation community.

Q: I think also you were Americans first and foremost, and when I talk to the female pilots and whatnot I always ask them, do you consider yourselves a rebel? And they said no we just considered ourselves Americans and I think you know you didn’t consider yourselves as different.

McGee: No, that’s absolutely right …. We were all just interested in the opportunity that was being offered and interested as an American to be a participant in this World War, if you will, that we were involved in and became involved in.

Q: I can imagine most of you had a huge variety of backgrounds and I don’t know how much education people or their families had, but how did you get involved in flying?

McGee: Well, first of all I’ve always felt fortunate to grow up in a family that said “go to high school, go to college,” because they realize that the importance of education helps prepare you for whatever opportunities may come in the future.

So I was in my second year at the University of Illinois when I learned that part of the Army policy was that they needed black mechanics before they could have black pilots and it turns out that the mechanics entered training in 1941 at Chanute Field, Illinois, and that was just 14 miles away from the University. So the community was aware that something different was taking place.

I’m not sure how it really happened. I wasn’t dodging the draft but I was fully aware from ROTC training about infantry and handling the rifle, and – I think we used the term “ground pounders” back then – what that life may be like, and I guess maybe even through my ROTC instructor, who said “well, you ought to apply for the pilot cycle program”, and I did and passed the exams and I was accepted.

Q: Was ROTC segregated at the time, or no?

McGee: Not at the University of Illinois.

Q: What a blessing that you had a person at the ROTC level that encouraged you.

McGee: Yes, but all through my life I think I have been fortunate that my schooling experience had been both on the very segregated side and then later in many instances … fortunately on an integrated side. Where I was in a community where there weren’t enough blacks for separate schools, so I think that was to my advantage as far as the education that I was getting and preparing me for this future opportunity.

Q: Tell us about any particular missions that stick out in your memory. Or do I have to read the book?

McGee: Haha … well, you know folks have said to me you need to write your story, and I said I’m not a writer, so my daughter finally did. But, the training that we had was really excellent, although the army policy – it started out as an experiment because they didn’t think that we were capable. But they drew on folks with a college education and so I guess you can say we made the most of that opportunity to prove that it’s not the color of skin that determines talent, its being given the opportunity for whatever is out there.

Q: Where you the most educated of the group or were there other people that came that also had college degrees?

McGee: Well, initially the program anybody that was in it had college degrees and it’s kind of interesting that they, as I say the army started out as an experiment because they just didn’t believe that it was going to be successful…

Q: …that you could do it?

McGee: Yeah, that we could do it. You know, we can dig ditches, drive trucks, cook food, but do flying airplanes and maintaining airplanes? No way. In fact, the 1925 war college study that set up their policy actually felt that the black American was a sub-species of the human race attitude. So as I say we didn’t get together back at home and say let’s go down there and set the world on fire, but we came as individuals interested in the opportunity. And fortunately we were able to absorb the training without standards being changed, and even though we in the early years were in a segregated environment, (we) still proved our capability.

Q: It’s a content of character.

McGee: Well, thank you.

Q: We joked about this earlier, but which were your favorite airplanes to fly? I heard a guy ask you yesterday when we were getting into the car and this random guy walked up and said, “Sir, what did you fly?”

McGee: Yeah, well when you talk to an old fighter pilot you just end up realizing that the P-51 Mustang with that laminar flow wing, and then they switched from the Allison engine to the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, … (was) a wonderful little aircraft that was superb for the type of missions that we had to fly – particularly the high altitude and long range escort missions. So the P-51 stands out and even today, when a P-51 with that Merlin engine flies overhead, and you don’t even need to look you can say, “There goes a P-51….”

Q: Right.

McGee: You never forget that sound.

Q: Thirty years active duty -- you’ve been in combat, WWII, Korea, Vietnam. One of the things we like to share at the Air Force Association with the Air Force Memorial through Facebook and through social media – we are trying to reach younger Americans and are trying to pass on wisdom and advice.

McGee: Yeah, well ultimately I think for the young folks we need to know the history and what being successful meant not only to our country but really the world over. When we look at the nature of our fighting against Hitler and Europe and against specific areas, our young people need to understand the things that we enjoy, if you will, and our freedoms. Making an individual choice and preparing yourself are important today for them and for the future of our country. So, it’s often said you know, “freedom doesn’t come free” and what was paid for us being free was some lives lost, and many Americans providing a service that was needed at the time. So to have been able to have been a part of what was a success, if you will, for our country is something that keeps you … willing to pass on to youngsters that they need to believe in themselves and they need to believe in our part, and the opportunities, and realize to take advantage of those opportunities they have to prepare. Everything doesn’t get handed to you; you have to be a part of that making it a success.

Q: One last question. You’ve told me what you did once you got off back to Dewey but could you just kind of let us know. I know you went into business I know you ran the airport in Kansas City.

McGee: Yeah well I was fortunate. You know I got my degree late, late in life because I had two years when I got the call to enter the service as a cadet and get my wings, and become an officer. But after retirement I realized that although I’ve done some studies along the way, having a degree is still important, and as this is to my family and my children, you need to get your college education as well. I went on and put all of the studies that I’ve done over the years together and went on and got a degree in Business Administration, although that was a change from the initial early years, but it prepared me to be able to work in real estate and purchasing for a company after I retired and that was interesting.

The work that I was doing initially got changed when my wife took ill and passed, and so I had to take some time off because of that. But when I went back into the workforce I ended up managing the Kansas City downtown airport for a little over two years. This was wonderful, because it’s close to aircraft. And although I wasn’t, if you will, a first pilot in that endeavor it was still nice to be around airplanes and be knowledgeable about what’s going on in the aviation world.

Q: When was the last time you got to fly a plane?

McGee: Wow, my flying now has been, if somebody has a seat open I’m ready to go in the air.

Q: Really?

McGee: Fortunately there are a couple P-51’s around the country…

Q: There are, yeah.

McGee: That we call “Piggyback” but they took some equipment out that made it possible to put a seat there, and a control stick. So, even last year I had a P-51 ride and was able to still do a roll.

Q: You did?!

McGee: Haha, yes. And also PT-17 which is the primary trainers, the first aircraft I ever flew, and the one that I’ve always said after that first ride I knew I made the right decision.

“Delivering an Operationally Effective Force in Fiscally Constrained Environment” Gen. G. Michael Hostage III, Commander, Air Combat Command

2012-02-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

“In the months and years ahead, the future involves difficult choice,” began General Hostage. To consider as we move forward are the nation’s fiscal environment, what we must do to react to that environment, and the requirements involved in that action. Fittingly, for the concluding symposium session of this year’s Air Warfare Symposium, Hostage included the DoD, industry, civilians, and the Air Force family in what he sees as future operation effectiveness in today and tomorrow’s fight—we all must be a part of the solution.

Still a top priority is the care of Airmen and their families. “We cannot break faith with our most valuable resource,” Hostage said. This will include resiliency development for families as well. He sees a need for expanded ISR training and normalizing of the career field, close air support, improver opportunities, and above all, capability. “Capability is a critical concern,” on the operation side, as well as the future of 5th generation fighters.

It is essential to sufficiently modernize the rest of the fleet, which will involve some tough choices. Money spent on one program is money not spent on another program.

Overall, with the latest FY13 budget release, and the increasingly reality of a smaller force continuing to rely on older aircraft, each of the speakers at the conference looked forward with determination and creativity to the future.

“Enlisted Perspective” CMSAF James A. Roy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

2012-02-25T09:49:00.001-05:00

Chief Roy started out by informing the audience that 68% of the current enlisted force joined after 9/11, adding that this is the most combat ardent force that we have ever had. The experiences the airmen of today have had over the past decade are much different than the older airmen have experienced over a 30 year career span. The airmen of today are what Chief Roy calls “digital natives”; they know technology, how it should and the potential it could be used for.

Roy asks if we can use technology to teach and develop our airmen, answering his own question by citing the variety of opportunities for growth that can be benefited by the ever changing advances. Opportunities for airmen to succeed as legislative liaisons, international affairs officers, academics, are just a few areas where airmen can continue to develop their skills and then assist the Air Force by applying their new skills to future missions.

“We need to make sure we have the best people working on tasks that they are capable of completing efficiently,” Roy said when pointing out that we do not have unlimited capacity. As with most of our speaker sessions, Chief Roy fielded a few questions from the audience. One question lead Roy to discuss STEM disenchantment amongst high school students, which lead him to state the importance of “improving our engagement within local communities, focusing on outreach efforts that inform about STEM”.

Roy concluded by addressing the variety of people who serve in the force, and noted that what motivates one person to serve may not be the same as what motivates someone else. The leadership challenge is the make sure our military leaders key in to each individual motivation to keep each Airman engaged.

Another question highlighted the recent DADT proposition, to which Roy replied that it is a “nonissue” because leadership prepared the military community well in advance of its implementation.

“The Next Steps for Space and Cyberspace” and “Air Force Global Strike Command Update”

2012-02-25T09:39:00.020-05:00

Lt. Gen. Basla, Vice Commander,
Air Force Space Command

Lt Gen Michael J. Basla, Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command, led a session entitled “The Next Steps for Space and Cyberspace".

General Basla opened by discussing some of the everyday capabilities we take for granted that rely on our space and cyberspace presence, for example: GPS, RPA flights, and precision warfare. The danger in this field is when enemies interfere with our GPS abilities, thus increasing the probability of an impact on noncombatant lives.

Cyberspace, where “minutes are an eternity”, is the newest domain the USAF seeks to tackle. As was the case with many of our speakers at AWS, Basla sees the fiscal restraints as an opportunity to explore new solutions to current tasks.

Later on in the morning, Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, gave attendees an update on Air Force Global Strike Command.

Lt. Gen. Kowalski, Commander,
Air Force Global Strike Command

While Russia is updating its triad, and China is focusing on land and marine improvements and ICMs, the US has lost some of its robustness and diversity over the past 20 years, began General Kowalski. To keep up, it’s important to modernize, reduce nukes, and manage risk. While our triad gives us options for escalation control, to avoid nuclear situations we need active deterrence. We continue to rely on the persistence of our long-range bombers, but the challenge is our aging force.

For many of the United States’ aircraft, like the UH1, the question is not IF but WHEN will we replace them. Internal upgrades for smarter weapons with a digital backbone are one solution, but we must continue to look forward for solutions.

“State of the Force” Honorable Michael B. Donley, Secretary of the Air Force

2012-02-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

Friday morning began with Secretary Donley discussing the readiness of the force to take on the ever-changing dynamics of the current security environment. Continuing with the theme of focusing on the people, Donley insisted that we make attempts to "take care of the living engine that powers our Air Force."

With plans to decrease the budget from $39.3 billion from FY12 to $35.3 billion in FY13, programs across the board are being reevaluated and fiscally scrutinized. Donley mentioned plans to modernize 350 F16’s, a full commitment to the F35 (which is the largest single program in the USAF, making up 15% of total investments), as well as a critical need to build 5^th generation fighters.

Among the programs that are headed for termination include the Global Hawk Block 30 (could not justify the costs of improving the Block 30’s), the Defense Weather Satellite System (Congress declined to fund the DWSS this year), and the C-27J.

Donley praised the successful implementation of the Acquisition Improvement Plan over the past few years, and emphasized the continued effort to simplify how we do business. "We must not get complacent moving forward."

In light of budget cuts and program reassessment, Donley wants to make sure we sustain and maintain what we’ve bought and invested in already to ensure that we stay ready for future contingencies. With that, he insisted on the prolonged importance of the relationship between industry and government: "when we share a common challenge, we share a common responsibility."

In closing, Donley stated that modernization will not wait and is essential in maintaining the US advantage in air, space, and cyber space.

Wrapping up the 2012 Annual Air Warfare Symposium

2012-02-24T22:13:00.001-05:00

Day 2 of AFA's 28th Annual Air Warfare Symposium was another full and exciting day of presentations and opportunities for professional development.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley began the day, leaving a good theme for the rest to follow: "We must not for one moment get complacent moving forward."

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Lt. Gen Michael Basla, Vice Commander, Air Force Space Command; Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Roy; Lt. Gen James M. Kowalski, Commander, Global Strike Command; and Gen Gilmary M. Hostage, Command, Air Combat Command. [We'll have highlights from the presentations posted this weekend!]

It was another great symposium for AFA, and we were thrilled to be able to create another venue for open dialogue on the issues and challenges that face our national security and the U.S Air Force. Please check the AFA site in the coming days of audio recordings of this year's event! For pictures, check the AFA Facebook Page!

“Future Learning” Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Commander, Air Force Education Command

2012-02-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

General Rice declared that education, training, and experiences are the 3 legs of the force development stool. The importance of training is in the focus on standardizing outcomes in order to make sure people can complete tasks consistently. Education makes training relevant and adaptable depending on the details of each experience.

Technology provides a range of tools we didn’t have in the past, which offer new opportunities for development. These continuously updating training processes allow our current airmen to adapt to challenges we have not faced in the past, and those we are bound to face in the future. Today’s Airmen are comfortable in the cyberspace world, and are extremely capable of multitasking—something we should recognize and take advantage of in training. By adapting the learning process we will allow this new generation of Airmen to reach their highest potential.

General Rice points out that this is our smallest Air Force since its inception in 1947, which means each airman is responsible for a wider range of abilities than airmen of the past. The increased number of missions the Air Force deals with today requires current airmen to have a variety of skills that allow them to multitask efficiently.

“Soft Power” Brig. Gen. Les A. Kodlick, Director, Public Affairs, SECAF

2012-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

This year's Air Warfare Symposium marked the first time the director of Public Affairs for SECAF has led a session at an AFA symposium!General Kodlick’s speech was a strong one, focused on the message the Air Force sends and how successfully that message is received by people. “Our messages lack credibility because we haven’t followed through on our promises; credibility is the goal,” Kodlick said while emphasizing the importance of setting a leadership example with communication.

In regards to the advances in social media, Kodlick insists these new media outlets are just another tool in the communications toolbox, citing that if the Facebook population was a nation, it would be the third largest in the world. Considerably, that is a lot of people communicating and sharing information on one platform.

Kodlick defines “soft power” as the conceptual link to forming partnerships by using all communication abilities to bring facts to the global community, and points out that “Congress can make a General, but communications can make a Commanding General”. We must harness the power of innovative communication and change how we use it, because the enemy is doing just that.

“Panel: Contingency Operations” - with Gen North, PACAF; Lt Gen Fiel, AFSOC; and Maj Gen Blondin, Canadian Forces

2012-02-23T23:59:00.002-05:00

The second panel of the day concentrated on "Contingency Operations”, and included Gen. Gary L. North, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel, Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command; and Maj. Gen. Y. J. Blondin, Assistant Chief of Staff, Canadian Forces.

(Left to right: Gen North, Lt Gen Fiel and Maj Gen Blondin)

General Fiel made a great point during this panel discussion that in the past “the Air Force has taken better care of our airplanes than our people” and noted that efforts are being made to shift that focus. General Blondin spoke as a representative of the countries that are America’s friends, reinstating Canada’s peace-keeping status. Blondin also asked the question whether “2nd tier military countries should continue to rely on “Big Brother”, or should we step up and start providing for ourselves”.

General North called for a readjustment of the focus to be placed on our priorities which will be tasked through the Department of Defense. He looks to building relationships to have the ability in a crisis to pick up a phone and communicate first, move on call, and shoot if required.

“Priorities for 21st Century Defense” and "Opportunities for Change"

2012-02-23T23:58:00.004-05:00

Gen. Kehler on Priorities for 21st Century Defense

In a session entitled, “Priorities for 21st Century Defense” Gen. C. Robert Kehler, let the audience in on the new and current reality: change, complexity, and uncertainty. Surprise will continue to be one of the greatest dangers we face going forward, which includes possible conflict on many levels: conflict in all five domains (air, land, sea, space, cyberspace), conflict across boundaries with new weapons, conflict involving multiple participants who will often be anonymous, and overall conflict that is a hybrid.

He quoted the proverb, “May you live in interesting times” as both a luxury and a challenge. As such, we must maintain a global presence while protecting the homeland. “This is not your father’s strategic air command,” he warns, needing new strategies and new ways to implement them. Our new national security realities—change, complexity, and uncertainty—need a new strategic approach. This will rely on interdependent joint forces and command, as well as regaining fiscal security. Using many tools as an integrated whole will help the United States to continue to be a strong global presence. Current national security strategy says that WMD and terrorism are our #1 threats, so it is our job to build an overarching plan to develop a robust and imaginative strategy, most likely shaping our activity away from combat.

Gen Hoffman on Materiel Command's
Opportunities for Change

Directly following Gen. Kehler's session was a presentation by Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command on “Opportunities for Change”.

General Hoffman presented the symposium audience with a very real, very large national debt ticker. He returned to this on many occasions, remarking that everything is affected by this increasing debt. With this looming, he listed many of our upcoming challenges and limitations on a national level, with the hope that we will work together to turn them into opportunities. Much like stealth and precision changed the game 30 years ago, we have much to explore in today’s cyberdomain.

“Panel: On Call Air Force” - with Lt Gen Wyatt; Lt Gen Stenner; and Maj Gen Williams.

2012-02-23T23:57:00.000-05:00

On a panel, entitled “On Call Air Force”, we had Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, Director, Air National Guard; Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Commander, Air Force Reserve Command; Maj. Gen. Brett T. Williams, Director of Operations, Hq., USAF, talk about the Total Force.

(Left to right: Lt Gen Stenner, Lt Gen Wyatt, Maj Gen Williams)

In the opening remarks, General Stenner noted that he is excited about the opportunities that come from the challenges the force continually faces. General Wyatt pointed out that the Air Force is better at keeping the reserves stocked and prepared better than any other branch, which is important to maintaining the total force readiness. General Williams added that the mix of talent that is found in the total force is an envy of the other services, expressing that he is thankful for the reserve because it is a good place to sustain experienced airmen while growing new experiences with current active airmen.

The panel spent a while discussing the benefits of stimulation exercises, stating that they will be very valuable paradigms to utilize as resources. Williams pointed out three points to focus on in regards to simulation: 1. That the system completely mirrors the live environment, 2. There is sufficient level of fidelity, and most importantly 3. There is the capability to network training together across the total force. Another important point made was the importance of finding the balance between reinvestment of the money that is saved by implementing simulation environments.

“State of the Air Force” General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the Air Force

2012-02-23T23:56:00.000-05:00

General Schwartz kicked off the 2012 Air Warfare Symposium speaker sessions by addressing the current state of our Air Force, saying that “we will get smaller, but we will become more valued due to the current security environment”. With an increase in deployment since 9/11, our personnel and equipment have been placed under heavy stress over the past decade, causing leaders to reevaluate how we can maintain a ready force—not a hollow one.

Schwartz administered a call to action that urged developing integrated and coordinated operations with cross domain approaches, and insisted upon having harmonized voices and close partnerships with other branches as well as our industry relations.

While dealing with personnel and budget cuts, Schwartz noted that the number of current Active Airmen has been cut to the point where it cannot be cut any further without negative effects to the capabilities of the force. In our attempts to avoid a lesser voice, we must restore the balance of the Active to Reserve ratio and ensure the reserve components stay relevant. Working with the smallest Air Force since its inception, Schwartz reassured his commitment to bold action without splintering our unity. He rightly noted that “100% of what covers both land and sea is air and space,” and this must be kept in mind to appropriately balance a force structure.

AFA's 2012 Annual Air Warfare Symposium Underway!

2012-02-23T17:21:00.002-05:00

The first day of our 28th annual Air Warfare Symposium is officially underway! We've just concluded the first day of the two-day event that started off with a powerful presentation by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Norton A. Schwartz -- speaking on the budget, the Total Force, and challenges of the future.

Right behind him was the “On Call Air Force” panel, with Lt Gen Harry M. Wyatt III, Lt Gen Charles E. Stenner Jr. and Maj Gen Brett Williams. Together, they covered the advantages of maintaining a strong Total Force with active, reserve, and guardsmen

Other highlights included:

Gen Kehler, Commander, US Strategic Command

Gen Hoffman, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command

Another great panel on Contingency Operations, with:

- Gen. North, Commander, Pacific Air Forces

- Lt. Gen. Fiel, Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command

- Maj. Gen. Y. J. Blondin, Assistant Chief of Staff, Canadian Forces
- Brig. Gen. Kodlick, Director, Public Affairs, SECAF

And wrapping up the conference was a presentation from Gen. Edward A. Rice, Commander, Air Force Education Command: "education, training, and experiences are the 3 legs of the Force development stool."

It's been a great, full day of excitement, and we hope you're following all the action! We'll have some follow-up blogs that go into a little more detail about the individual sessions.

Check out the AFA Twitter (@AirForceAssoc) and the AF Magazine's (@AirForce Mag) to get up-to-date news on this year's symposium! Hashtag: #AWS

Note from AFA President -- Mitchell Institute event

2012-02-22T03:00:00.007-05:00

Last Friday we held a Mitchell Institute event at AFA headquarters. Todd Harrison from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) presented a brief entitled: "$trategy in a Year of Fiscal Uncertainty." [You can find the briefing here: http://www.afa.org/Mitchell/presentations/Mitchell_021712_ToddHarrison.pdf]

What I found interesting about Mr. Harrison's brief was slide 4. On it he points out the cut to the Defense budget was $5.2B for FY13. The Air Force paid for $4.8B of that ... and the Army's budget actually grew by $700M.

But ... if you look at the "adjusted" chart on the right side of the slide, DOD actually shifted Army manpower from the Army budget into the war budget -- about 49,000 soldiers. So in reality, the Department of the Navy budget grew; the Army budget grew significantly -- by some 4%; and the Air Force was significantly cut.

The reason this is important is the new strategic guidance of the DOD calls for increased reliance on Airpower and sea power, while not projecting vulnerability and attrition that occurs with an occupying ground force. The Association believes the strategy is on-target ... but ... as Mr. Harrison points out, the Administration did not fund that strategy in the FY13 budget.

It's important that budgetary decisions follow strategic guidance ... and in this case it did not.

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

Recap of Feb 17's Mitchell Hour, Mark Calendars for AFA's Next One

2012-02-17T11:39:00.001-05:00

Today, we just wrapped up another great Mitchell Hour presentation, with Todd Harrison, a senior fellow for defense budget studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, giving us some great insight to the FY13 budget and its implications. You can check out his presentation, an audio recording and his white paper here: http://www.afa.org/Mitchell/presentations/

Also, mark your calendars for the next Mitchell Hour, with Dr. Nayantara Hensel, Professor of Industry and Business at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Fred Downey, Vice President of National Security for the Aerospace Industries Association, as the guest speakers.

This Mitchell event will take place on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at AFA’s national headquarters at 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, next to the Key Bridge Marriott. The presentation will be in AFA’s fourth floor boardroom.

Dr. Hensel previously was the Chief Economist for the US Navy, serving in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Cost and Economics), where she provided economic guidance on defense industrial base issues, growth projections, the federal budget, the financial health of defense contractors, as well as trends in the broader economy and in the defense sector. She has written more than 30 articles and research reports. Her research has included work on globalization and the US defense industrial base and the role of defense mergers in improving weapons systems cost efficiency.

Downey is responsible for monitoring and analyzing national security issues that affect the U.S. aerospace industry’s ability to support the Defense Department and to compete and cooperate in the national and global marketplace. In addition, in his position he coordinates the activities of the Association’s National Security and Technical Operations Councils and their associated committees and working groups to develop industry consensus and responses to these issues.

JOIN US! All Mitchell Hours are free to the public. To register online for this event, go to http://march7mitchell2012.eventbrite.com/.

AFA Supports Efforts to Ease Spouse Employment Barriers

2012-02-15T18:24:00.003-05:00

In addition to the release of the FY13 Defense Budget this week, a new report was unveiled today, addressing military spouses' employment challenges.

AFA was represented today at a briefing in the Pentagon by First Lady Michelle Obama, in regards to supporting efforts to address the ongoing issues with obtaining occupational licenses after relocation that military spouses so often must undergo. The most recent efforts hope to remove career barriers and reduce an unemployment rate that's consistently higher than that of their civilian-life counterpoints.

In the report, authored by the Defense and Treasury departments, suggestions for how states can streamline their processes to better support them have been outlined. The First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey were all present to unveil the report.

"Because military spouses hold occupational licenses and often move across state lines, the patchwork set of variable and frequently time-consuming licensing requirements across states disproportionately affect these families,” the report says. “The result is that too many military spouses looking for jobs that require licenses are stymied in their efforts.”

In addition, AFA recently sent letters to Senators Olympia Snowe and Amy Klobuchar expressing support for the bill they recently presented to accelerate commercial license procedures (CLP) for Veterans. The bill calls on the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to develop accelerated licensing procedures for veterans with relevant driving experience. These procedures will allow veterans to more easily obtain a civilian Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), without the long wait time and bureaucratic hassle the current process demands.

Read the full letter here: http://www.afa.org/grl/PDFs/streamlinedCDL.pdf

Washington Perspective -- TRICARE

2012-02-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that the Administration has requested increases in TRICARE fees; establishment of enrollment fees for TRICARE Standard and TRICARE for Life; and linking increases in the out years to “medical inflation” – which has averaged 6.2% per year for the last decade. Additionally, DOD is requesting to tier the fees for TRICARE Prime and TFL based on military retired income. This is a first for any government benefit program.

These increases are not trivial – they result in additional revenues of $1.8B to the DOD for FY13 … and almost $13B across the FYDP.

I have asked our Veterans and Retiree Council to offer their advice on the Association’s approach to these fees. I will distribute that advice later this week. I am recommending the AFA Board of Directors discuss this next weekend.

For the details of the increases, go to this link on the AFA website: http://www.afa.org/PresidentsCorner/WashingtonPerspective/2012/TRICARE%20tiering2.pdf

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

More AFA events this month

2012-02-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

This February is quite a busy time here at AFA, with a lot of events coming taking place not just in the DC area, but also Orlando! Add these events/dates to your calendar:

1) AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies welcomes Todd Harrison, the senior fellow for defense budget studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, as the next guest speaker at the upcoming Mitchell Hour.

Date: Friday, February 17, 2012
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: AFA’s national headquarters at 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 4th Floor Boardroom.

Harrison’s presentation will come just days after the Obama Administration officially releases the budget plan for FY2013. As the senior fellow for defense budget studies, Harrison will explain what the new numbers mean for the defense department today and in the future. He’ll also discuss the potential challenges that sequestration would yield. To register online for this event, go to http://feb17mitchell2012.eventbrite.com. Press release attached.

2) The 28th Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Expo is only two weeks away. Expect to hear timely presentations from Air Force leadership representing U.S. major commands, with several private sessions with just media already scheduled. Advanced media registration is available at https://registration.afa.org/reg/reg1.aspx?event=orlando2012&regtype=Media. For more information about the symposium, go to http://www.afa.org/events/AWS/2012/default.asp.

Date: February 23-24, 2012
Location: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida

3) The February session of AFA’s 2012 Air Force Breakfast Program will have Lieutenant General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, as the guest speaker.

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Location: Key Bridge Marriott, 1400 Lee Highway, Arlington VA, 22209

Lt. Gen. Carlisle spoke at the September 2011 session, honing in on the responsibilities and challenges of his department. However, this month’s session he will be focusing on 5th Generation Fighters (F-22 and F-35) and their roles in terms of national and global security as they struggle with delays and setbacks in a tense budget environment. Please register online at http://afafebbreakfast2012.eventbrite.com. Press release also attached.

FY13 Budget Released

2012-02-13T18:03:00.002-05:00

The FY13 Budget was officially released today, and AFA has been quite busy responding.
Follow the link below to get details on the new budget: http://comptroller.defense.gov/Budget2013.html

AFA’s CyberFutures Conference Offers Professional Development Training

2012-02-13T12:28:00.000-05:00

At this year's CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition, Air Force personnel will be able to earn Continuous Learning Points (CLP), further attesting to the great professional development opportunities offered by our annual conferences.
AFA's CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition is the one-of-a-kind professional development event with a full agenda of speaker sessions and panels addressing today's challenges in the cyber domain.

The 2012 CyberFutures Conference explores the nation’s newest and most challenging area of industry, commerce, government and defense – cyber. This conference gives attendees an opportunity to connect with top leaders from the Air Force, government, industry and academia and benefit from the new conference agenda that offers two days of concurrent sessions.

As the CyberFutures Conference weighs so heavily on cyber issues, continuous learning points will be applicable to personnel in the Information Technology arena but would also apply to varying degrees to the other Air Force acquisition categories, such as Program Management, Contracting, and Systems, Planning, Research, Development and Engineering (SPRDE) fields.

Air Force personnel can earn 0.5 points per hour, maximum of four points per day and 20 points per year.

[Please contact the Air Force Acquisition Training Office, saf.acqnowcl@us.af.mil, COMM (210) 565-5917, for further guidance. However, other Services must contact their acquisitions departments to see if attendance at AFA's CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition fulfills their qualifications.]

The 2012 CyberFutures Conference and Technology Exposition will be held March 22-23, 2012, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, just across the river from Alexandria and minutes from downtown Washington, DC. This year's conference boasts an impressive expo floor displaying the latest and greatest technology from industry in the Exhibit Hall.

In conjunction with the CyberFutures Conference will also be the national championship round of CyberPatriot, the National High School Cyber Defense Competition. Winners from the competition’s two parallel divisions will be crowned at an awards banquet concluding the Conference.

The full conference agenda can be found on the AFA's website.

AFA’s Next ‘Mitchell Hour’ to Focus on FY13 Budget

2012-02-08T09:55:00.002-05:00

AFA's Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies welcomes Todd Harrison, the senior fellow for defense budget studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, as the next guest speaker at the upcoming Mitchell Hour.

This Mitchell event will take place on Friday, February 17, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at AFA’s national headquarters at 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, next to the Key Bridge Marriott.

Harrison’s presentation will come just days after the Obama Administration officially releases the budget plan for FY2013. As the senior fellow for defense budget studies, Harrison will explain what the new numbers mean for the defense department today and in the future. He’ll also discuss the potential challenges that sequestration would yield.

Harrison joined CSBA in 2009 from Booz Allen Hamilton, where he supported clients across the Department of Defense, assessing challenges to modernization initiatives and evaluating the performance of acquisition programs. Since joining CSBA, Mr. Harrison has authored a number of publications, including Estimating Funding for Afghanistan, Analysis of the FY 2010 Defense Budget Request, and Impact of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the US Military’s Plans, Programs, and Budgets.

*All Mitchell Hours are free to attend. To register for this event, go to http://feb17mitchell2012.eventbrite.com.

Washington Perspective -- 3 Budget Documents

2012-02-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Below are a few documents recently released by the Air Force and other leaders, providing some details about the new budget cuts.

1) The Secretary of the Air Force has released a White Paper on the budget. You can find it here.

2) The Air Force has announced which states and which bases will be impacted by force structure cuts. You can find the link here.

3) The Joint Chiefs of Staff, Senior Enlisted Leaders, and Commandant of the Coast Guard have signed a letter making some of the same points with which you disagree. You can find it here.

CyberPatriot Announces Open Division Finalists

2012-02-02T13:46:00.002-05:00

CyberPatriot has officially announced the top 12 Open Division teams who have surpassed hundreds of their peers, advancing to the National Finals Competition of the nation’s largest and fastest growing high school cyber defense competition!.

In this two-track competition, teams have registered from public, private, parochial and home schools in the Open Division, and Junior ROTC units of all Services and Civil Air Patrol squadrons filled the All Service Division. In all, more than 1,000 teams registered to participate this year, representing all 50 states, U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe and the Pacific, and Canada.

The Open Division began with more than 400 teams registered. After two energetic rounds of competition, 41 teams advanced to Round 3. During their third and final round of competition, held on January 27-28, 2012, the teams eagerly defended their simulated “networks of computers,” continuing to build knowledge on improving computer systems and strengthening security features. The teams’ scores were based on how quickly and effectively they established and maintained secure networks.

Now, the group has been narrowed to 12, and each team will receive all-expenses-paid trips to the CyberPatriot National Finals Competition held in the Washington, DC area, March 22 -24, 2012, where teams will compete face to face and defend virtual networks from a professional aggressor team.

Congratulations to the following advancing Open Division teams:

LAUSD’s Franklin High School, Los Angeles, CA
Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA
Monroe Career and Technical Institute, Bartonsville, PA
Alamo Academies, San Antonio, TX
Marshall Academy, Falls Church, VA
Joel E. Ferris High School, Spokane, WA
John R. Rogers High School, Team 1, Spokane, WA
John R. Rogers High School, Team 2, Spokane, WA
John R. Rogers High School, Team 3, Spokane, WA
Lewis and Clark High School, Spokane, WA
North Central High School, Spokane, WA

For more information about CyberPatriot, go to www.uscyberpatriot.org.

Secretary of the Air Force Opens up AFA's 2012 Air Force Breakfast Series

2012-02-02T11:24:00.003-05:00

AFA's first session of the 2012 Air Force Breakfast Program finally got underway this morning, with the Honorable Michael B. Donley, the 22nd Secretary of the Air Force, as the guest speaker.

Mr. Donley, who oversees the Air Force's annual budget, went into only a few details about the upcoming budget plan, but mostly spoke of the Air Force priorities in the context of the new strategy in the fiscally constrained environment. Without the changes in the budget environment, he said, the Air Force and national defense still needed to change the strategic environment, with the recent drawing from Iraq, and the planned draw-down in Afghanistan as factors.

The focus now will be on "trading size for qualities," he said. He outlined the larger context for the Air Force decisions that have been made, which include protecting distinctive capabilities on which our joint, our interagency and our coalition partners depend and focusing on "multirole platforms over those with more narrowly focused capabilities."

Reductions already identified include 286 aircraft across the Air Force over the next five years, which specifically include 123 fighters (7 squadron reduction, 102 A‐10s and 21 F‐16s), a plan to divest 133 mobility aircraft (27 C‐5As, about 65 C‐130s, 20 KC‐135s, and 21 C‐ 27s), and eliminate 30 ISR systems (18 Global Hawk RQ‐4 Block 30 unmanned aircraft, 11 RC‐26s, and one E‐8). It will also include changes in 9,000-plus in personnel.

However, the plan slows modernization while protecting Air Force capabilities and focused on "not allowing the force to go hollow."

To hear the full presentation, go to www.afa.org/CorpMembers/Breakfast_2-2-12_Donley.asp.

About the Program:

The Air Force Breakfast Program is a monthly series that provides a venue for senior Air Force and Department of Defense leaders to communicate directly with the public and the press. Past speakers include Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Gen. Gary L. North, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, and Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Commander of Air Force Materiel Command.

The next speaker for this monthly series will be Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle and focusing on fifth generation fighters.

For more information, check for updates here >>

Minnesota High School Shows its Gratitude

2012-01-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

In its 66 years of advocacy and support for the US Air Force, the three pillars that define the Air Force Association’s mission are simple: educate, advocate and support. In an ongoing effort to encourage the pursuit of education, each year AFA provides several opportunities for scholarships and grants to those in the Air Force or aerospace community.

Recently, North High School's AFJROTC in Minnesota sent AFA a nice note to say "thanks" for the AFA grant they received earlier in the year. The school was able to use the funds toward a field trip to the local Air National Guard Base, taking 44 cadets to the base for a tour and a flight on an Air Force C130 aircraft.

"This was an awesome experience for the cadets. For many, this was their first time flying, which made it more exciting. As an Air Force retiree and AFJROTC instructor, it made me feel good to see the excitement in the kids faces. These cadets have a new found respect for our military men and women as well as a new love of flying. Thanks again for the grant that made this trip possible."
- SMSgt Wilkinson, AFJROTC Instructor

For more information about the scholarships and their deadlines, visit www.afa.org/aef/aid/scholars.asp or contact Lynette Cross at (703) 247-5800, ext. 4807.

Note from AFA President -- Book recommendations, CP Newsletter

2012-01-28T03:00:00.015-05:00

I have two new books to recommend to you.

The first is entitled: George F. Kennan: an American Life by John Lewis Gaddis. The book is a biography about Kennan, who in the late 1940s wrote two documents, the “long telegram” and the “X” article, which set out the strategic vision that would define US policy toward the Soviet Union until that country’s collapse four and a half decades later. The book is unique in that Kennan agreed in 1981 at age 78 to have Dr. Gaddis write his biography. Kennan gave him unfettered access to his papers, his diaries, and other materials. Both agreed it best to wait to publish the book until after Ambassador Kennan’s death. He died in 2005 at the age of 101. A quote from the book to interest you:

As for the Soviet Union, its system was unalterably opposed to that of the United States. It followed, therefore, that there can be no possible middle ground or compromise between the two, that any attempts to find such a middle ground, by the resumption of diplomatic relations or otherwise, are bound to be unsuccessful, that the two systems cannot even exist together in the same world unless an economic cordon is put around one or the other of them, and that within twenty or thirty years either Russia will be capitalist or we shall be communist.” Kennan, Jan 12, 1931.

I believe this book will be awarded a Pulitzer Prize this year … it’s that good.

Secondly, Lee Ellis has a written great book on leadership entitled: Leading with Honor – Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton. As many of you know, I am a student of leadership and read vociferously on the subject. This one is one of the best I’ve read. Mr. Ellis begins his book with:

Our culture desperately needs courageous servant leaders – men and women who have clear vision and strong character, who instill confidence and inspire excellence, who don’t fold under pressure, compromise on principle, or practice deception. In short, we need leaders who are committed to leading with honor.”

The book has been endorsed by some outstanding leaders such as Gen (Ret) Bill Looney and Lt Gen (Ret) Bill Lord … and by a hero of mine: R. E. Gene Smith, past President and Chairman of the Board, Air Force Association. Gene writes:

Lee captures the essence of what it takes to provide strong leadership, as well as followership, in some of the most difficult conditions ever faced by our military men. A great read on integrity, character, and leadership.

Finally, our National High School Cyber Defense Competition – CyberPatriot – is proceeding well. Out of over 1,000 teams which registered, we have 12 teams in the finals in the All Service division. The semifinal round for the Open Division is this weekend. The Commissioner, Brig Gen (Ret) Bernie Skoch, and his staff have started a monthly, online CyberPatriot newsletter. I was struck by the variety of subjects covered (i.e., Blueprint for a Secure Cyber Future, Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks, Software Piracy: Big Consequences, CyberPatriot Competitor Code of Conduct, Coaches' Corner, Cyberbullying, and Northrop Grumman - Grooming Tomorrow's Cyber Workforce). This newsletter should be shared broadly … not only with high schoolers, but also with some of us “old-people.” You can find a link to the newsletter at: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/CP4/CP%20IV%20Documents/CPNewsletter_20Jan2012_Final.pdf

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

This Day in Airpower History: NASA's Apollo 1 Tragedy

2012-01-27T15:06:00.000-05:00

Each day on the AFA Facebook Page, we give a "Today in Airpower History" fact. Though the heritage and history of the Air Force is rich with content, we wanted to elaborate on one of them.

On Friday, January 27, 1967, a routine pre-launch test for NASA's Apollo 1 turned fatal when a fire ripped through the spacecraft's crew cabin, claiming the lives of Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee. A flash fire occurred in command module 012 during a launch pad test of the Apollo/Saturn space vehicle being prepared for the first piloted flight, the AS-204 mission.

Following the tragedy, a seven-member board conducted a comprehensive investigation to pinpoint the cause of the fire. The final report The report presented the results of the investigation and made specific recommendations that led to major design and engineering modifications, and revisions to test planning, test discipline, manufacturing processes and procedures, and quality control.

With these changes, the overall safety of the command and service module and the lunar module was increased substantially. The AS-204 mission was redesignated Apollo I in honor of the crew.

For more information about this tragedy:

-- NASA Headquarters
-- Apollo 1: The Fire That Shocked NASA

SPEAKER CHANGE: Upcoming Air Force Breakfast Series Session

2012-01-27T13:55:00.000-05:00

Just a heads up –

Earlier this week we announced the date of the first session of AFA's 2012 Air Force Breakfast Series changed to February 2, 2012, with the same speaker, same topic, and same location (Key Bridge Marriott). However, we’ve recently had a speaker change and now Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley will be the guest speaker.

Thank you for your understanding regarding all the changes we have had for our first AFA AF Breakfast this year. If you are already registered for this event, and opted for the “Media ticket with Breakfast”, and no longer wish to attend, please let Sarah Piggott (spiggott@afa.org) know if you would like to have your payment put towards another breakfast (preferred) or refunded.

If you’ve yet to register but still would like to attend, please register online at http://jan2012breakfast.eventbrite.com.

Recipient of 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award Shares his Experience

2012-01-26T13:07:00.000-05:00

Below is an excerpt from the December 2011 edition of Flightline, the official Newsletter of the 780th Bomb Squadron of WWII. We wanted to share this specific article with you all because it holds a very special place in our hearts as it was written by a recipient of AFA's 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. George Kuchenbecker, along with four other men, representing the heavy bombardment crews of World War II were the recipients of one of AFA's most esteemed awards! This particular award recognizes not a single achievement, but a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace.

His article captures his experience, his excitement and his gratitude of being honored at the annual ceremony that concluded the 2011 Air & Space Conference. Enjoy!

--------------------------

Saluted by Four Star Generals: ‘Cookie’ Receives Lifetime Achievement Award by AFA on Behalf of 15 AF Flyers

by George Kuchenbecker

In July I was asked by the Air Force Association to speak at their annual conference and trade show and to be awarded their “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of my WWII service as a bomber crew member in the 15th Air Force. The conference was held September 19-21, in Washington, D.C., at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

The invitation included Gloria with all our travel and hotel expenses paid by the AFA. That was a great benefit as the room rate at the Gaylord is $299 a night. Most of our meals were also covered by the AFA. All we had to pay for was incidental food and some keepsakes for us and the gifts we bought for the grandkids.

We left Seattle early on September 18th and spent our first night in the Gaylord. Monday the 19th the rush of activities started with getting our name tags from the AFA suite and meeting all the AFA people we had worked with to get to the event. Then the endless parade of new faces. Not possible to remember faces and names.

This year the AFA was giving its Lifetime Achievement Award to the heavy bombardment crews of WWII, “recognizing a lifetime of work in the advancement of aerospace,” according to their letter to me. Four WWII Army Air Corps veterans were invited - one from each major theater of combat. A pilot from the 8th Air Force in England represented Northern Europe, me from the 15th AF in Italy for Southern Europe, a 13th AF B-29 pilot who flew out of Tinian in the Pacific bombing Japan and island bases on the road to Tokyo, and finally a B-24 ball turret gunner who flew in the CBI, flying missions in Burma and Southeast Asia.

Our first scheduled event Tuesday was a forum with the four of us speaking to the entire group in attendance. A large number of those we spoke to were U.S. Air Force personnel, all in their dress blues. There were more four-star generals than I had ever seen before, and all wanting to shake our hands. Some of the females were in their formal uniforms with long blue skirts. Quite a sight. The forum lasted about an hour and a half and then it was dinner time. We dined at McCormick & Schmick's, right on the banks of the Potomac River. Our host was Doug Birkey, the AFA man who set up the whole event, and some of the AFA people that worked with him. Bunch of really great people.

Wednesday started with a stop at the Jos. A. Bank store to pick up our rental tuxes which the AFA paid for. We spent most of the day exploring the Gaylord and some of the D.C. sights. Then the big event - a huge banquet for about 1400 guests. Formal attire for all. Great food and very well served. Then the awards presentation with lots of Air Force brass, many high-level executives from Air Force suppliers including Boeing and Air Bus, plus many smaller companies that supply most of the nuts and bolts that make the Air Force run.

After dinner was the awards. After many speeches and recognitions of dignitaries it was time to present the Lifetime Achievement Awards. There were five to be presented. My group was next to last and the four of us took our place on the stage. The perpetual trophy for the award is a large crystal ball engraved with the AFA logo and several turns of silver cord around it. Our names will be placed on its pedestal. Unfortunately, there were no small replicas for the recipients.

Then the party began. In that huge ballroom many came up to shake our hands and say thanks for what we had done so long ago. There were five four-star generals in the group and each sought us out individually, came to attention in front of us, popped a brisk salute and shook our hand. They spent a few minutes asking the what and where questions about our service, thanked us for our service and made way for the next person to speak to us. It's hard to imagine a lowly staff sergeant being saluted by a four-star general!

Note from AFA President -- Loh, Fogleman, op-eds

2012-01-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

I have several op-eds to bring to your attention.

The first is by Gen (Ret) Loh which appeared as a letter to the editor of the NY Times. It contains the clearest and most succinct articulation of Airpower that I have seen. You can find the piece below my name.

Secondly, I ran across a piece by former Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen (Ret) Fogleman. In it he states we can reduce our active military and rely on the National Guard and Reserves, while bringing down budgets and investing in the next-generation technologies we’ll need in the decades to come. You can find the piece at: http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2012/01/smaller_us_military_the_right.html

A second piece by the general also merits your attention. It appeared in Defense News. You can find it at: http://www.defensenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012301160015

Third, we have put the links to several op-eds on our website – some on both sides of an issue. The general location of them is in our Education and Opinion section. (See: http://www.afa.org/EdOp/).

For example, on Iran, Mark Helprin of Wall Street Journal and Shibley Telhami and Staven Kull of New York Times differ in their approach to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Likewise Chairman McKeon (R-CA) of the House Armed Services Committee takes issue in the Washington Post with the Administration on its new strategy.

Finally, a thoughtful piece on Taiwan appeared in the NY Times. It was written by Su Chi, Chairman of the Taipei Forum. You can find the piece at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/13/opinion/why-taiwans-future-matters.html

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association
----------------------------------------------------

To the Editor:

Re: "Panetta to Offer Budget Strategy Cutting Military <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/03/us/pentagon-to-present-vision-of-reduced-military.html> " ("The Next War" series, front page, Jan. 3):

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta's task of cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from the defense budget while retaining a competent military is not as drastic as your article describes if he reverses the growth in ground forces and expands the investment in air power.

President Obama and Mr. Panetta now recognize that the precision, efficiency, low cost and near zero casualties offered by a strategy based on air power allow them to withdraw sooner from Afghanistan and attack Al Qaeda effectively from wherever it chooses to operate. At the same time, we can build our air forces to deter aggression in Asia and elsewhere.

Air power provides the capabilities, flexibility and long range need to fulfill Mr. Panetta's strategy of fighting and winning one major conflict, while being able to "spoil" a second adversary's ambitions in another part of the world, and countering terrorism.

But Congress keeps talking about cutting the very programs needed to do this - modern fighters, long-range bombers, drones and global surveillance assets. Instead, we need to invest in these systems to replace our worn-out air power assets, not cut them.

Mr. Panetta's strategy is right. To make it work, we must underwrite it with a robust modernization of air power forces.

JOHN MICHAEL LOH
Williamsburg, Va., Jan. 3, 2012

Washington Perspective -- Calendar

2012-01-24T13:55:00.000-05:00

AFA members, tonight the President delivers his State of the Union speech to both Houses of Congress. The Republicans respond after the speech.

What to listen for from both speeches:
- Listen for any focus on national defense. In this tough economy, it’s doubtful that you will see this topic broached … other than to take credit or pass blame for taking steps to reduce our presence overseas. But, as I have said many times, the Preamble to the Constitution says “ … provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare ….” National security is job #1 for the government.

- Listen for any indication of what the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mullen, says is the number one threat facing the nation: our national debt and annual deficit. As you know, politicians on both sides like to … be popular … and tout new programs and increased spending/investment in certain areas … not to talk about what and where will be cut. But I believe we are facing a mountain that our children/grandchildren will have to face. At 2%, the interest on the national debt is over $300B. That is larger than the budgets of the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Treasury, Department of Justice, and the Department of Transportation … combined. We presently pay for only about 60% of every dollar spent. We have to address this issue head on.

- Listen for a shared sense of “togetherness” in these tough times. We need our leaders to pull together … and to unite our nation … not necessarily behind specific policies, but behind a shared set of goals for the country. [I’m not talking about bi-partisanship here. That’s probably too much to expect.]

I recognize that this is the election season [and the season has been underway for a while] … and it is unlikely that these speeches will be the final say on America’s challenges, but it is time for us all to understand what needs to be done and to chart a path to the future.

Secondly, on 26 Jan, I expect Secretary Panetta to give us a peak at the FY13 defense budget. We know the deficit control act of last summer cut $450+ billion out of defense. Many people I meet with say … that’s probably OK … but … don’t cut me/my base/my district, etc. We expect there to be sizable cuts to all the Services. Initial indications are that the cuts will be meted out proportionally – 30/30/30/10 to the Departments of the AF, Army, and Navy, and the agencies. While I believe the Strategic Guidance puts a premium on air, space, cyber space, and naval forces, sometimes the programmers and budgets don’t necessarily follow the guidance. Also, with the Air Force budget less than 20% of the defense budget (vs the Army at 35% and the Navy at 25%), an even split in percent terms cuts the Air Force less than the others. However, we don’t know if the split is in percent or dollar terms. If it is in dollar terms, the result could be as much as $10B more in FY13 than if it were in percent terms. Look for a cut of almost 300 airplanes from the AF inventory; look for cuts to the Guard and Reserves as well as the active force. And look for “unhappiness” broadly shared.

Finally, I expect the budget to be sent to Congress on 13 February. It is then that we will know specifics about the Administration’s request.

In the meantime, Congress has a number of issues facing it: extending the 2% Social Security tax cut and the Medicare/TRICARE “doc fix” past February, among others.

And … hanging over the Department of Defense is the threat of sequestration. Sequestration, if it occurs in Jan 13, would cut another $500B or so from DOD.

There is lots of work for all this year.

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

Time Change: 2012's First Session of the Air Force Breakfast Series

2012-01-23T10:42:00.000-05:00

Last week we announced the first session of AFA's 2012 Air Force Breakfast Series would take place on January 27, 2012. As of today, the event date has been changed and will take place on February 2, 2012, with the same speaker, same topic, and same location (Key Bridge Marriott).

In case you forgot:
The 2012 Air Force Breakfast Series kicks off with Lieutenant General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, as the guest speaker! Lt. Gen. Carlisle spoke at the September 2011 session, honing in on the responsibilities and challenges of his department. However, this month’s session he will be focusing on 5th Generation Fighters (F-22 and F-35) and their roles in terms of national and global security as they struggle with delays and setbacks in a tense budget environment.

Please register online at http://jan2012breakfast.eventbrite.com. For additional information, contact Sarah Piggott at spiggott@afa.org.

AFA’s Next ‘Mitchell Hour’ to Focus on Conducting Operations Against Anti-Access and Area-Denial Threats

2012-01-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

AFA's Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies will move forward this year in a new direction, offering even more monthly events with high quality reports and briefings that cover issues vital to airpower and national defense. Last week's Mitchell Hour was a great presentation by ... to kick of the year! The next Mitchell Hour will be a briefing by Mark Gunzinger of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments regarding his latest report: “Outside-in: Operating from Range to Defeat Iran’s Anti-Access and Area-Denial Capabilities."

As Gunzinger explains in his report, “Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the US military has been able to project power overseas with few serious challenges to its freedom of action. This ‘golden era’ for US power projection is drawing to a close. …Iran, in particular, has been investing in new capabilities that could be used to deter, delay, or prevent effective US military operations in the Persian Gulf.” The report proposes an operational concept to enable the US military’s freedom of action against this threat.

This briefing will take place on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at AFA’s national headquarters at 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, next to the Key Bridge Marriott. The presentation will be in AFA’s fourth floor boardroom.

Gunzinger is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He has been a key player in every major defense review since the end of the Cold War. He supported the Air Force Secretary during the 1993 Bottom-Up Review, 1994 Commission on Roles and Missions, and the 2001 QDR. Most recently, he served as a senior advisor to the Air Force for the 2010 QDR.

Gunzinger is also the principal author or co-author of multiple Defense Planning Guidance/Guidance for Development of the Force directives, the key strategic planning guidance documents that shape DoD force planning.

All Mitchell Hours are free to the public. To register online for this event, go to http://jan24mitchell2012.eventbrite.com. Please RSVP by January 23, 2012.

USAF Chief Scientist Joins CyberFutures Conference Line-Up

2012-01-18T10:29:00.001-05:00

The U.S. Air Force's chief scientist, Dr. Mark T. Maybury, will join an agenda full of Air Force leadership, industry experts, and current cyber security specialists at the Air Force Association’s 2012 CyberFutures Conference!

CyberFutures is AFA’s premiere spring conference, where conference-goers will have the unique opportunity to interact with military, government, academic, and private sector leaders. It highlights speakers from across the cyber security community as they gather to discuss the full spectrum of the nation’s efforts and challenges to unburden, protect and efficiently utilize the cyber domain.

Dr. Maybury serves as chief scientific adviser to the Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force, and provides assessments on a wide range of scientific and technical issues affecting the Air Force mission. In this role he identifies and analyzes technical issues and brings them to attention of Air Force leaders, and interacts with other military and science and technology communities to address cross-organizational technical issues and solutions. He has edited or co-authored 10 books, authored more than 60 refereed publications, and been awarded several U.S. patents.

Invited speakers for the 2012 cyber conference include: Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley; General William Shelton, Commander, Air Force Space Command; Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee; and Secretary Eric Rosenbach, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy.

This second annual conference will be held March 22-23, 2012, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Potomac, in National Harbor, just across the river from Alexandria and minutes from downtown Washington, DC.

The CyberFutures Conference features a Technology Exposition hall where exhibitors from across the country will display their latest technology in cyber security. In addition, CyberPatriot IV, presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, will be holding their national finals competition in conjunction with the conference’s sessions. [P.S. The finalists for the All Service Division will be announced later this week!]

Mitchell Hour Focuses on ISR Forces

2012-01-17T11:44:00.006-05:00

The Gen. Billy Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies held a Mitchell Hour this morning, presenting the latest Mitchell Paper, entitled "Layering ISR Forces," where author Michael W. Isherwood, a defense analyst and former A-10 fighter pilot, joined us here at AFA Headquarters. In this new Mitchell Institute report, Isherwood had a clear message: US forces have to be extremely proficient at all aspects of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance because success in future operations hinges on timely, astute combinations of ISR resources. To access the audio and slides from this presentation, click here.

In addition, as today's Mitchell Hour concluded, Dr. Rebecca Grant announced her resignation as the director of the Mitchell Institute. The Mitchell Institute is AFA’s research and policy arm, where Dr. Grant, who was its founding director, led the organization’s research and publication work for more than three years.

"Rebecca Grant has contributed much to the field of airpower and has demonstrated great passion for the subject in her many reports for the Mitchell Institute,” said Mike Dunn, AFA President and CEO. “We owe her a big debt of gratitude for all she has done for this Association, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Dr. Grant said she will continue to manage her consulting firm, IRIS Independent Research, specializing in airpower research.

"One of AFA’s missions is to provide honest information about airpower,” Grant said. “The Mitchell Institute made a real contribution to that work and I am proud of the reports we published and the public events that kept the focus on airpower – air, space and cyber – and its value to national security.”

AFA Awards Aerospace Education Grants to Civil Air Patrol Squadrons

2012-01-17T07:46:00.000-05:00

AFA awards a new batch of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadrons education grants to help promote aerospace education for hundreds of students each season, and we just announced the Winter Recipients!

These specific grants are distributed for use in any Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) activity or materials that promote aerospace education, which includes purchasing textbooks, materials, or activities such as field trips to aerospace museums.

AFA advocates education in these crucial subjects to develop the skills necessary for the 21st century jobs in fields sustaining U.S. air power and national security. AFA awards these education grants, each $250, four times each year, twice to units and twice to individual educators.

Congratulations to the following squadrons:

· Pontchatrain Composite Squadron, New Orleans, LA
· Waukesha Composite Squadron, Pewaukee, WI
· Columbus Composite Squadron, Columbus, NE
· 153rd Madison Composite Squadron, Madison, WI
· 176th Selfridge Composite Squadron, Ray, MI
· South Charlotte Cadet Squadron, Indian Trail, NC
· Nighthawk Composite Squadron, Denton, TX
· 71st Eielson Composite Squadron, Eielson AFB, AK
· Wheatland Composite Squadron, Wheatland, WY
· McLean County Composite Squadron, Normal, IL
· Singing River Composite Squadron, Moss Point, MS
· Greenville Composite Squadron, Greenville, SC
· Lapeer Composite Squadron, Attica, MI
· Fox Cities Composite Squadron, Appleton, WI
· Timmerman Composite Squadron, Milwaukee, WI
· 102nd Composite Squadron of RI CAP, Cumberland, RI
· Martinsburg Composite Squadron, Shepherdstown, WV
· 9th Composite Squadron, Fairbanks, AK
· La013 Senior Squadron, Shreveport, LA
· NC Wing Group Four, Rock Hill, SC

AFA’s New Wounded Airman Initiative

2012-01-13T11:59:00.000-05:00

AFA and its chapters have taken on a new initiative to help care for wounded Airmen as they make their way from the front line to their home. AFA Chapters around the world are participating in this effort along with the Air Force Recovery Care Coordinators to provide support to Airmen’s needs while in various phases of recovery.

When Airmen are injured and returning to the United States, they are typically bereft of their belongings. They do not have personal clothing or items with them, and are unprepared for their needs as they arrive to begin medical recovery. As they find themselves in hospitals and centers distant from loved ones, this new program was created to help ease their discomfort by offering a variety of both required and congenial items. These items range from immediate small sundries, gift cards, casual clothing, bags, entertainment and technology to connection with larger support agencies for longer term support. They may also require support for family members that may arrive to assist their recovery and rehabilitation.

Three AFA chapters are implementing the first phase of this new initiative: the Nation’s Capital Chapter and D.W. Steele, Sr. Memorial Chapter in the D.C. area and the Alamo Chapter in San Antonio. These three particular chapters were initially selected due to the volume of injured Airmen sent to the Army Medical Centers in their locations. These chapters, along with AFA Headquarters, are putting together packages of needed items for wounded Airmen who arrive at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and at San Antonio Military Medical Center in San Antonio, TX.

At this time, this project is also monitoring wounded Airmen arriving in both Germany and Hawaii. In the near future the AFA will be following not only these arriving Airmen, but Airmen injured in the past and determining their needs and challenges as well as arranging for support in cooperation with the US Air Force and other Warrior Support Agencies. If you would like to contribute, we are accepting monetary donations at this time. Do not hesitate to contact Lois O’Connor at 703-247-5832 or loconnor@afa.org for more information. Donations can be sent to her attention at AFA, 1501 Lee Hwy., 4^th floor, Arlington, VA 22209, or can be sent electronically here.

AFA on Federal News Radio

2012-01-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

Just a couple of weeks ago, DoD release their new defense strategy amidst a budget environment that continues to be overwhelmingly tense where the Air Force has sent signals it's bracing for major cuts. Yesterday evening, AFA President and CEO Mike Dunn and Federal News Radio’s Francis Rose discussed the new defense strategy, the role of airpower in it and how the Air Force is set to phase out 200 airplanes without plans to replace them.

Read/Listen to the full interview here: Air Force to phase out older aircraft?

Also, if you missed Dunn's comments last week on the Air Force's intentions to phase out older aircraft in last week's Wired Magazine's Danger Room, check it out here: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/01/planes-cut/.

2012 Air Force Breakfast Series Begins with 5th Generation Fighters

2012-01-11T12:03:00.022-05:00

AFA is pleased to announce Lieutenant General Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, as the guest speaker for the first session of the AFA’s 2012 Air Force Breakfast Program! Lt. Gen. Carlisle spoke at the September 2011 session, honing in on the responsibilities and challenges of his department. However, this month’s session he will be focusing on 5th Generation Fighters (F-22 and F-35) and their roles in terms of national and global security as they struggle with delays and setbacks in a tense budget environment.

Lt. Gen. Carlisle is responsible to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff for formulating policy supporting air, space, irregular warfare, counterproliferation, homeland security, weather and cyber operations. As the Air Force Operations Deputy to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he determines operational requirements, capabilities and training necessary to support national security objectives and military strategy.

The AFA Air Force Breakfast Program is a monthly series that provides a venue for senior Air Force and Department of Defense leaders to communicate directly with the public and the press. Past speakers include Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, and Gen. Donald J. Hoffman, Commander of Air Force Materiel Command.

This session will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. Please register online at http://jan2012breakfast.eventbrite.com.

Note from AFA President -- Defense "Strategy"

2012-01-06T09:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (then later the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense Policy, and Vice Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff) rolled out the new defense strategy. You can find it at: http://www.defense.gov/news/Defense_Strategic_Guidance.pdf

I listened to the presentations and read the piece carefully. Initially, I was critical of the work. First it is not a “strategy” in the classic sense of the word (ends, ways, and means). You cannot have a strategy without detailing the resources and none were listed. Secondly it seemed to be just a compendium of thoughts on the strategic environment and a listing of missions of the armed forces. The latter seemed to be in priority order, but that is an assumption on my part and was not overtly stated. There was a lot of talk about process vice the tough choices. And finally, there were lots of words on what the Armed Forces will do and few words on what the Armed Forces won’t be doing – given a $450B budget cut. Like others, I could be critical about what was “not included.”

However, as I read the piece for the second time (and understanding that this is a public document … not a classified one which would be at the SECRET or higher level), I found much in it to commend it to you.

First, it recognizes the nation is at a turning point after a decade at war. We have a broader range of challenges than just the focus on the past wars. The force of the future will be smaller and leaner, but will be agile, flexible, ready, and technologically advanced. The department will avoid a “hollow force.” DOD will reorient the force towards the Asia-Pacific region. This puts a premium on Air, Space, and naval forces. As I was quoted recently [see: http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/01/planes-cut/] – 100% of the Pacific is covered by air and space.

In the primary mission of US Armed Forces section, I was pleased to see that the mission to project power despite anti-access/area denial challenges was listed. Despite the fact that the authors did not mention one of the most important elements of power projection [Air Superiority], the idea that the Pentagon should look to the future shoots holes in the concept of “next-war-itis” and is long overdue. I found the concept of deterring and defeating aggression to be refreshing:

“Even when US forces are committed to a large-scale operation in one region, they will be capable of denying the objectives of – or imposing unacceptable cost on – an opportunistic aggressor in a second region.”

This puts a premium on those forces that can rapidly shift from one theater to another – predominantly Airpower.

I found the articulation of the concept of conducting long term occupation and stability operations to take into account the realities of what we have seen over the past ten years – where we projected vulnerability – with over 46,000 wounded and more than 6,200 dead. The piece says: “ … US forces will no longer be sized to conduct large-scale, prolonged stability operations.” In my words, we should take advantage of the inherent strengths of Airpower – speed, range, flexibility, technology – and limit the exposure of our forces to our enemies.

I liked the focus on the Guard and Reserves – both of which have carried a heavy load over the past decade.

And I thought the focus on science, technology, innovation, and the industrial base to be important to discuss in any strategy document. I also thought the concept mentioned in the paper about “reversibility” to be an important one in dealing with risk. We have not, in recent history, done well in predicting who, where, and when we will fight.

I might differ on the margins about things like the listing of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, while leaving out Hamas (and others); talking about operating “effectively” in Cyberspace and Space [these are mediums in which we should dominate]; and suggesting that we can achieve our nuclear deterrence goals with a smaller nuclear force [depends on what the goals are]. But on balance, the document is welcomed relief to the past and recognition that the US has broad, enduring, and overarching goals … and challenges.

Finally, I have to back away and comment on the totality of the challenge facing the Department of Defense. Yes … we’re in a budget crisis. And … yes we need to cut government spending. However, during the Kennedy Administration this nation spent 50% of the federal budget on defense. It’s less than 20% today. Then we spent 9.5% of our GDP on Defense; today it’s 3.4% and getting lower. The question we must ask is: Should we balance the budget on the back of defense spending? We have proven over time that a weak America invites aggression. I’m reminded of the famous quote from President Reagan: “Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.”

Last comment: Documents like these don’t always drive resource decisions. Many times, the Services are given dollar bogeys in a “salami-slice” fashion … without regard for the strategy. We should all watch the budget roll out to see if the resources match the “strategy.”

Let me ask you to read the document and tell me what you think.

For your consideration.

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association

“The only thing more expensive than a first-rate Air Force is … a second-rate Air Force.” -- Senate staff member

AFA Statement of Defense Strategy Review

2012-01-05T16:59:00.001-05:00

Today, the Administration released its new defense strategy. The Air Force Association agrees that the United States is at a strategic turning point and our attention must focus on the broader threats affecting our core interests. The Air Force is uniquely positioned to meet future security needs through its ability to shape the global environment, deter potential adversaries, deliver precise combat effects on a global basis and empower the joint force. This strategy focuses additional attention on our commitments to the Asia-Pacific Region, the Middle East and to our allies in Europe. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining critical industrial capabilities and organizations so the US can expand its capabilities if required to do so in the future. The nation needs appropriate funding for necessary military systems and a sustained commitment to a strong national economy. The budget and policy decisions made based on this strategy released today will shape fundamental security options decades into the future.

Click here to read the full DOD document on their priorities for 21st century defense.

AFA Chapters Celebrate Holiday Season with Charity

2011-12-29T15:01:00.016-05:00

While the Christmas season is often filled with family, presents and parties, AFA Chapters around the country have used this season as a time of giving. AFA's Ak-Sar-Ben Chapter of Omaha, Nebraska, celebrated the holiday season with a visit to the Omaha Veterans Hospital. A week before Christmas, "Santa's elves" provided gifts, drinks and snacks to all the in-patients and staff!

And from the Thomas B. McGuire, Jr. Chapter of McGuire AFB, New Jersey, AFA members participated in the 20th Annual Wreaths Across America event, held on December 10, 2011. At Arlington National Cemetery, Capt Jennifer Condon-Pracht teamed with the CMSgt Bryan Creager and Capt Emily Brand were able to assemble 25 active duty, civilian, and Civil Air Patrol volunteers to help lay wreaths at the day’s event. More than 100,000 wreaths were laid with more than 10 truckloads of wreaths delivered.

Mitchell Institute to Release New Study on ISR Forces

2011-12-29T08:17:00.000-05:00

The Mitchell Institute will be hosting a Mitchell Hour next month! Dr. Rebecca Grant, Director of the Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies, recently announced the forthcoming publication of a Mitchell Paper, “Layering ISR Forces.” It will be released at 9:30 a.m., January 17, 2012, at AFA’s national headquarters in Arlington, Va.

Dr. Grant will present the report with author Michael W. Isherwood, a defense analyst and former A-10 fighter pilot. In this new Mitchell Institute paper, Isherwood has a clear message: US forces have to be extremely proficient at all aspects of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance because success in future operations hinges on timely, astute combinations of ISR resources. He explains that layering airborne ISR forces is especially intricate because of their different operational qualities and sensors.

Rebecca Grant is regarded as one of the nation’s foremost air, space and cyber power analysts, with 20 years of experience in Washington, D.C. Among her Mitchell Institute titles are: Return of the Bomber (2007); Losing Air Dominance (2008); and The Vanishing Airpower Arsenal (2010).

For media registration, please email MShaffer@AFA.org.