AFA Statement of Defense Strategy Review

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.

DOD launches new website on cyber strategy

The DOD recently launched a new website only weeks after they released their first comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to guide the department's efforts to fight cyber attacks going forward.

The website will act as a companion to the strategy as a resource for the DOD's execution of it. The site provides detailed content on the five pillars of the new cyberstrategy: to treat cyberspace as an operational domain; to employ new defense operating concepts; to partner with the public and private sector; to build international partnerships; and to leverage talent and innovation.

AFA commends the initiatives being taken by DOD to further explore the opportunities of asymmetric impacts in cyberspace, and how it can significantly affect U.S. defensive readiness, national security and the nation’s day-to-day functions.

We encourage you to explore the new site as it is a platform underscoring how important cybersecurity is to the department. DOD's efforts are not to exploit civilians' internet privacy nor do they have plans to use its power to control cyberspace, but to take proactive measures to fortify our national security.