Daily Report

Sept. 18, 2014

Too Many Blows Already

The Air Force “has taken too many blows already” to its readiness due to budget instability, said Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall on Wednesday. “The men and women of the US Air Force have coped with all of these challenges...

Our Most Important Mission

The nation’s nuclear deterrent is “the very foundation” of US national security and the Defense Department’s leadership is resolved to institute improvements to counter the “consistent lack of investment and support” that has befallen the mission in recent years, said...

A Central Role

Echoing comments made by Air Force leadership this week, Pentagon acquisition executive Frank Kendall said Wednesday that Air Force contributions will be key in the coming international campaign “to degrade and ultimately destroy” the terror organization ISIS in both Iraq...

Enlisted RPA Pilots a Possibility

The Air Force should continue to seek new ways to better utilize its end strength, and this could include opening up remotely piloted aircraft pilot slots to enlisted airmen, said Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh and CMSAF James Cody...

A New Threat to the Homeland

The terrorist threat to America has evolved significantly since 9/11, said Homeland Security Department Secretary Jeh Johnson on Wednesday during his address at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md. Johnson said he is particularly worried about terrorists’...

Calling All Cyber Specialists

The Homeland Security Department is trying to find new ways to attract “cyber security talent,” said DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson during his address at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Wednesday. “We want to be in...

Hostage’s CAF Priorities

Force structure reductions will make the combat air force smaller, but leveraging technology and advancements will enable USAF to have a “more capable force with the ability to counter our most dangerous threats,” Air Combat Command boss Gen. Mike Hostage...

Keeping An Obsolete Fleet

The Air Force needs to keep its fourth generation fighters “through the end of the next decade,” but won’t be able to do much to make them more capable, said Air Combat Command boss Gen. Mike Hostage on Wednesday. “Based...

Don’t Fix What’s Not Broken

The Space and Missile Systems Center was part of a lively conversation between the commanders of Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Space Command during the four-star forum at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., on...

Excitement about Evaluation Changes

The overall sentiment about changes to the enlisted evaluation system and the new promotion boards is one of excitement, said CMSAF James Cody on Wednesday. The transition to a performance-based evaluation system is “going to be pretty abrupt,” but it...

Restoring Emphasis on the Learner

The Air Force’s new blended learning construct that combines digital and in-person education will put the emphasis back on the learner, CMSAF James Cody told reporters at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Wednesday. “We have...

Attrition-Reserve Ospreys

Lt. Gen Bradley Heithold, head of Air Force Special Operations Command, said on Wednesday he’s “comfortable” with the size and makeup of AFSOC’s aircraft fleet and buying plans, with one exception: he believes the Air Force should consider buying a...

No Big Epiphany

The Air Force Reserve is working with Air Force leadership to adapt to the “multi-component, multi-domain approach to the future” that’s laid out in the service’s new strategic vision, Lt. Gen. James Jackson, AFR chief, told reporters at AFA’s Air...

Building Up Reserve Presence

The Air Force, from the beginning of standing up its cyberspace capabilities, has sought out Air Force Reserve participation and expertise, AFR Chief Lt. Gen. James Jackson told reporters on Wednesday. The service is set to broaden and deepen that...

Once Upon a Time

Four former Air Force Secretaries convened at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Tuesday to discuss lessons learned from their time in service and to offer advice to current Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. It...

Rethinking Electronic Attack

There is about $103 million designated for electronic warfare and electronic protection research in the President’s Fiscal 2015 budget request, Air Force Research Laboratory head Maj. Gen.Thomas Masiello told reporters Tuesday. “I think this is an important area,” said Masiello...

Looking for Budget Certainty in Uncertain Times

Five aerospace leaders pleaded Tuesday for greater budget certainty, clarity of requirements, and easing of export restrictions to help the industry get through the current budget downturn. Speaking during a panel discussion at AFA’s Air & Space Conference in National...

Keeping the Relief Valve Open

Defense budget analyst Todd Harrison warned Tuesday that if sequestration remains in effect, Congress may have to take another look at big ticket procurement items, including the Air Force’s top acquisition programs—the F-35A strike fighter, the KC-46A tanker, and the...

The Future of Command and Control

The Air Force is moving forward with the recapitalization of its E-8 JSTARS fleet, but the commander of the service’s sole E-8 wing told reporters Monday there is work to do in explaining the command and control mission to stakeholders...

Making Better Use of Data

The Defense Department’s cost assessment and program evaluation office is improving cooperation between the Pentagon and contractors to help ensure acquisition programs are kept on track, said Jamie Morin, CAPE director. The office is working closely with contractors on issues...