August 2022

Vol. 105, No. 8

Subscribe Digital Download (PDF)

Four Chiefs

As part of Air Force Magazine’s commemoration of the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, Sept. 18, 2022, we set out to interview all of the living former Chiefs of Staff, ultimately interviewing seven of the eight former Chiefs from 1990 to the present. In this first in a two-part series, we share the stories of four of those Chiefs: No. 14 Gen. Merrill A. McPeak (1990-1994); No. 15 Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman (1994-1997); No. 17 Gen. John P. Jumper (2001-2005); and No. 18 Gen. T. Michael Moseley (2005-2008).

75 Years of Innovation in Flight

The Air Force is built on technology. These are some of the most important aircraft in its 75-year history.

The Evolution of Space-Based ISR

With roots in the near-space photo reconnaissance of the U-2 Dragon Lady, space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance has become increasingly sophisticated and valuable over the past 65 years. Things will only get more interesting in the future.

Air War Over Korea: Lessons for Today’s Airmen

By Douglas A. Birkey

The post-World War II drawdown left the Air Force ill-prepared for conflict. The parallels with today are enlightening.

Strategy & Policy: The Chinese-Russian Axis After Ukraine

By John A. Tirpak

China and Russia form an “axis” working against the interests of the U.S., and that relationship is likely to strengthen in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, despite economic sanctions on Moscow. China is learning damning military lessons from the Ukraine conflict that may drive it to engage in a small war for “practice” before tackling the one that really matters to it: Taiwan. In response, the U.S. should continue with its successful—so far—strategy of building a united front against aggression and authoritarianism.

Editorial: Milestones

The Air Force turns 75 on Sept. 18, a momentous three-quarters of a century.

Q&A: PACAF Readies for New Threats

By Abraham Mahshie

Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces Commander, has delivered two decades of experience to lead the Air Force’s most geographically dispersed major command. Wilsbach sat down with Air Force Magazine at his office at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in a building whose pockmarked outer walls from Imperial Japanese air attack are a constant reminder of the vital importance of air power and readiness.