What kind of aircraft the Air Force needs, what it can afford, and how long it will be before that aircraft is available all hang in the balance.
November/December 2024
Vol. 107, No. 11
As CSO, Saltzman is responsible for recruiting, training, and equipping Guardians to be effective space warfare operators. Applying their capabilities is the responsibility of U.S. Space Command—and its leaders want counterspace weapons too.
The U.S. Air Force’s focus in the Pacific has increased steadily over the past five years, as China has continued to modernize and expand its military capabilities with the goal of being able to seize Taiwan as soon as 2027. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider took command of Pacific Air Forces in February, where he is also the Combined Air Component Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. His command stretches from Hawaii and Alaska to Japan, South Korea, and the South Pacific. Pentagon Editor Chris Gordon interviewed Schneider during AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in September.
Launch: The Fundamental Prerequisite for Space Superiority
At the most fundamental level, this requires the Space Force to have assured access to space. The Space Force must retain a diverse stable of launch providers, while expanding options for launch locations.
America’s Air War in Europe
The starting point for studying airpower in World War II is the monumental official history, published following the war. The AAF hired two highly respected academics, Wesley F. Craven and James L. Cate, to edit the outstanding seven-volume work, The Army Air Forces in World War II.
Editorial: Risk & Reward
A nation that budgets more than $840 billion for national defense has reason to believe it is well-insured. But circumstances change. What was good enough before may not be good enough for long.
Training For the Big Fight
To exercise these new operational concepts, the Air Force is expanding the number and scale of operational exercises, including limited-notice, large-scale exercises that push the limits of the force.
Drones Take on the Arctic
Uncrewed aircraft are a smart, cost-effective, and low-risk solution to address limited air and maritime surveillance in the region
Tanker Modernization
Discussion of future tankers comes as the Air Force continues downsizing two of its three aerial refueling fleets and bringing on the troubled KC-46 Pegasus, the U.S. military’s first 21st-century tanker program.
Airman Development Command Taking Shape
Existing policy and work divisions mean training and education aren’t really consolidated in AETC. They will be combined, however, in the revamped ADC.
Part-Time Military Service
The goal is a system in which Guardians can switch easily between full-time and part-time (and back again), enabling Guardians to take a break from service to pursue advanced degrees, gain civilian work experience in commercial space or cyber, or take time off to care for family members.
S&P: Is China Prepared to Uncork the Nuclear Option?
Beijing is tight-lipped about its nuclear forces, which the U.S. estimates will include more than 1,000 deliverable warheads by the end of the decade.
Letters
We love letters! Write to us at letters@afa.org. To be published, letters should be timely, relevant and concise. Include your name and location. Letters may be edited for space and the editors have final say on which are published.
Faces of the Force
Tell us who you think we should highlight here. Write to airandspaceforces@afa.org.
Verbatim
A collection of quotes on airpower, space power, and national security issues.
AFA In Action: The Memorial to Memorial Ride Grows
AFA sponsored two wounded Airmen from the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program to participate in the ride. They shared their stories with their fellow riders and supporters both to inspire everyone to push to the last mile and to remember that, amid all the fun, is a great cause they are supporting.
AFA In Action: Atherton High School Rocket Competition
Ten teams from Atherton High School brought their rockets out for the opportunity to display their design and appearance skills along with incorporating individual “fine tuning.
AFA Almanac 2024
A compendium of facts and figures about the Air & Space Forces Association.
Heroes and Leaders: Frank M. Andrews
Andrews became an outspoken advocate for airpower and the need to put the B-17 into mass production.
