Charting a Future for U.S. Air Power

TL;DR

Deborah Lee James discusses U.S. Air Force's role and challenges.

Transcript

MAHNKEN: Well, good evening, everybody. My name is Tom Mahnken. And it's my pleasure to welcome you to tonight's Council on Foreign Relations meeting with the Honorable Deborah Lee James, the secretary of the Air Force. We're going to begin. Secretary James will have some remarks. And then we'll broaden that to a conversation between the two of us,... Read More

Key Insights

• The U.S. Air Force is adapting to unforeseen global challenges, including Russian aggression, ISIS activities, and Ebola, which have increased demands on its resources.
• Air power remains a crucial element in combating threats like ISIS, showcasing the importance of rapid response and versatile capabilities.
• Technological advancements such as hypersonics, directed energy, and quantum computing are pivotal for maintaining air dominance against advanced adversaries.
• Strategic partnerships with allies and organizations like NATO are essential for global security and effective military operations.
• The Air Force faces significant budgetary challenges, with sequestration potentially impacting its ability to meet defense strategic guidance.
• Modernization of the Air Force is critical, with aging aircraft needing replacement and increased investment in nuclear enterprise and ISR capabilities.
• Cultural shifts within the Air Force are necessary, especially in the nuclear sector, to promote empowerment and continuous improvement.
• A whole-of-government approach is required to tackle threats like ISIS, emphasizing the role of air power in a broader strategic context.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key challenges facing the U.S. Air Force?

The U.S. Air Force faces challenges such as adapting to unforeseen global crises, maintaining technological superiority, and managing budget constraints. Unpredictable geopolitical landscapes and advanced adversaries require rapid response and innovation, while sequestration threatens readiness and modernization efforts.

Q: How is the Air Force addressing the threat posed by ISIS?

The Air Force is utilizing air power to degrade ISIS capabilities through strategic airstrikes, ISR missions, and air refueling operations. These efforts are part of a broader strategy involving training local forces and coordinating with international partners to counter the trans-regional threat posed by ISIS.

Q: What role does technology play in the future of the Air Force?

Technology is crucial for maintaining air dominance, with advancements in hypersonics, directed energy, and quantum computing offering new capabilities. The Air Force is exploring these technologies to ensure superiority against advanced adversaries and to adapt to rapidly changing warfare environments.

Q: Why is modernization a priority for the Air Force?

Modernization is essential due to the aging fleet and the need to maintain technological superiority. Investments in nuclear enterprise, ISR capabilities, and new aircraft like the F-35 and long-range strike bomber are critical to addressing future high-end threats and ensuring operational readiness.

Q: What cultural changes are needed within the Air Force?

The Air Force is focusing on shifting its culture, particularly in the nuclear sector, to promote empowerment and continuous improvement. This involves reducing micromanagement, fostering a training-focused environment, and ensuring personnel feel equipped and supported to perform their duties effectively.

Q: How does the Air Force contribute to the U.S.'s rebalance to Asia?

The Air Force plays a significant role in the rebalance to Asia through strategic basing decisions, increased exercises with regional allies, and resource shifts to areas like Hawaii and Alaska. This gradual approach supports the broader military, economic, and diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.

Q: What is the impact of sequestration on the Air Force?

Sequestration could severely impact the Air Force's ability to meet defense strategic guidance by reducing funding for modernization, readiness, and personnel. It threatens to limit operational capabilities, delay aircraft procurement, and necessitate difficult choices like retiring aircraft and cutting programs.

Q: How does the Air Force engage with international partners?

The Air Force engages with international partners through joint exercises, strategic basing, and collaborative operations. These partnerships are vital for global security and enable the U.S. to project power, reassure allies, and effectively respond to international crises in a coordinated manner.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Deborah Lee James highlights the U.S. Air Force's adaptability in responding to global crises such as Russian aggression, ISIS, and Ebola, which have increased operational demands. She emphasizes the importance of air power in combating threats and the need for continued technological advancements.

• The Air Force is focused on maintaining strategic partnerships and modernizing its capabilities, including nuclear enterprise and ISR. However, budget constraints and sequestration pose significant challenges, potentially impacting the force's readiness and modernization efforts.

• James discusses the cultural changes needed within the Air Force, particularly in the nuclear sector, to foster empowerment and improvement. She underscores the necessity of a whole-of-government approach to address threats like ISIS, with air power playing a crucial role.