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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

PRESENTATION TO THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FISCAL YEAR 2009 AIR FORCE POSTURE STATEMENT

STATEMENT OF: THE HONORABLE MICHAEL W. WYNNE

 SECRETARY OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

 GENERAL T. MICHAEL MOSELEY

 CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE 

 27 February 2008

This document submitted in rich text format to Congress

27 February 2008
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Index

1.0 Executive Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.0 Strategic Imperative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.1 Challenges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2 The Role of the U.S. Military. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.3 Sovereign Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.4 Cross-Domain Dominance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.5 Implementing the Strategy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3.0 Win Today’s Fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1 Maintain Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power for America. . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1.1 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.1.2 Strike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.1.3 Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3.1.4 Airlift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.1.5 Aeromedical Evacuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.1.6 Joint Force Land Component Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.2 Strengthen Global Partnerships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4.0 Take Care of Our People. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.1 Shape the Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

4.2 Ensure Highest Quality of Life Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.2.1 Housing and Military Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.2.2 Joint Basing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.3 Recruit, Train and Retain Highest Quality Airmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

5.0 Prepare for Tomorrow’s Challenge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.1 Top Acquisition Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.1.1 New Tanker (KC-X) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1.2 New Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter (CSAR-X). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1.3 Space Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1.4 F-35A Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.1.5 New Bomber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.2 Improve our Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.2.1 Broaden Global Vigilance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.2.2 Extend Global Reach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.2.3 Strengthen Global Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.3 Retire Aging, Worn Out Aircraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.4 Preserve America’s Aerospace Industrial Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.5 Extend Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.6 Strengthen Total Force Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.6.1 Total Force Roadmap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

5.7 Secure the Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.7.1 Strengthen Joint Air Dominance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.7.2 Lead Joint Unmanned Aircraft SystemOperational Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

5.7.3 Lead the National Security Space Enterprise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.7.4 Lead Cyberspace Operational Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

5.7.5 Assure Sustainable Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.7.6 Maintain Science and Technology Leadership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.0 America’s Airmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
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Executive Summary1.0

The United States Air Force provides the Nation with a powerful deterrent force in times 

of peace, and it sets the conditions for Joint and Coalition victory in times of war. For 

over seventeen years, since Operation DESERT SHIELD, the United States Air Force has 

been engaged in continuous combat operations. Our Airmen have maintained constant 

watch, deployed continuously, engaged America’s adversaries directly, responded to 

human crises around the world, and provided the Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and 

Global Power to secure our Nation.

Global Vigilance

The ability to gain and maintain awareness – to keep an unblinking eye on any entity – 

anywhere in the world; to provide warning and to determine intent, opportunity, capability, 

or vulnerability; then to fuse this information with data received from other Services or 

agencies and use and share relevant information with the Joint Force Commander.

Global Reach

The ability to project military capability responsively – with unrivaled velocity and 

precision – to any point on or above the earth, and provide mobility to rapidly supply, 

position, or reposition Joint forces.

Global Power

The ability to hold at risk or strike any target anywhere in the world, assert 

national sovereignty, safeguard Joint freedom of action, and achieve swift, decisive, 

precise effects.

Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power constitute America’s edge – America’s 

asymmetric advantage that shapes the global security environment. Global Vigilance, 

Global Reach, and Global Power are vital to our National Security Strategy, as conveyed 

through the decision superiority they allow, the military options they provide, and the 

influence they command. However, in a world of increasing uncertainty, volatility, and 

accelerating technology, America’s edge will become a fleeting advantage if we fail to 

maintain and hone it.

The United States Air Force executes its missions globally. Its warfighting domains 

cover the entire planet, offering a unique perspective. Every day, America’s Airmen 

demonstrate a non-negotiable commitment to offer and deliver sovereign options for 

the United States in, through and from air, space, and cyberspace.

Our Air Force strategic imperatives articulate why these sovereign options are necessary 

to maintain and strengthen our national security and global stability. The Air Force 

is redefining air, space, and cyber power through cross-domain dominance – our 

effort to integrate all of our capabilities to exploit the natural synergies across these 

warfighting domains. 
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This Statement articulates the major elements of our Air Force Posture – our strategy for 

fulfilling our role in defending the Nation and its interests; our contributions to winning 

the Global War on Terrorism; our most critical efforts and concerns; and our top priority 

programs. We will continue to pursue specific programs and initiatives to safeguard and 

strengthen America’s military advantages and to address major concerns and risks

Three overarching Service priorities serve as the organizing principles for all of our 

efforts: Winning Today’s Fight; Taking Care of Our People; and Preparing for Tomorrow’s 

Challenges. The Air Force’s top acquisition priorities specifically begin to address our 

critical recapitalization and modernization needs – the new Tanker (KC-X); the new 

Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter (CSAR-X); modern space systems to provide 

capabilities vital to our Joint warfighters; the F-35A Lightning II; and a new Bomber we 

intend to field by 2018.

We will continue our efforts to modernize and protect America’s vital air, space, and 

cyberspace capabilities. We strongly recommend extending the existing C-130J 

production line. We are also concerned with preserving America’s aerospace industrial 

base. Additionally, we seek relief from restrictions on the retirement of aging, worn-out 

aircraft which are increasingly unsafe, unreliable, and obsolete. The Air Force is highly 

engaged in national efforts to assure sustainable energy, and we will continue to push 

the performance envelope on fuel efficiency and renewable energy technologies. We 

are committed to the Joint Basing initiative and want to work through the transfer of 

total obligation authority (TOA) and real property control without impacting command 

authorities, reducing installation service support, or negatively affecting quality of life. 

Finally, we will continue our practice of recruiting and retaining the world’s highest 

quality Airmen. We will build upon our successes in achieving Total Force Integration 

of our Regular, Guard, Reserve, and Civilian Airmen.

America looks to its Airmen to provide dominance that spans the air, space, and 

cyberspace warfighting domains. They need your support today to defend the Homeland 

and to prepare for tomorrow’s threats and challenges. Full funding and support for 

America’s Airmen will ensure America’s continued freedom of action; reassure our allies; 

strengthen our partnerships; reinforce our sovereign Homeland defenses; dissuade and 

deter adversaries; and set conditions for Joint and Coalition success across the entire 

spectrum of conflict and crisis.

We guard the Nation – providing the Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power 

that underwrite the security and sovereignty of our Nation.
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The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign options for the defense 

of the United States of America and its global interests – to fly and fight in Air, Space, 

and Cyberspace.

Today the United States stands at a strategic crossroads. This junction is characterized 

by a global economy accompanied by a diffusion of technology, new and increasingly 

complex economic and international relationships, competition for resources and 

influence, and the changing conduct of warfare. From the early days of the 20th Century, 

the United States has played a leading role in preserving and protecting international 

stability, particularly as the number of democratic nations grew. This leadership led in 

large part to the current world order and provided the backdrop against which countries 

like Japan, India, and China initiated their unprecedented economic growth. We cannot 

abdicate our position of political and military leadership without grave consequences. 

2.1 Challenges

Today’s confluence of global trends already foreshadows significant challenges 

to our organization, systems, concepts, and doctrine. We are at an historic turning point 

demanding an equally comprehensive redefinition of American air power. The future 

strategic environment will be shaped by the interaction of globalization, economic 

disparities, and competition for resources; diffusion of technology and information 

networks whose very nature allows unprecedented ability to harm and, potentially, 

paralyze advanced nations; and systemic upheavals impacting state and non-state actors 

and, thereby, international institutions and the world order. The following are salient 

features of this increasingly complex, dynamic, lethal, and uncertain environment:

•	 Violent extremism and ethnic strife – a global, generational, ideological struggle

•	 Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and empowering technologies

•	 Predatory and unpredictable regional actors

•	 Increasing lethality and risk of intrusion by terrorist and criminal organizations

•	 Systemic instability in key regions (political, economic, social, ideological)

•	 Unprecedented velocity of technological change and military adaptation

•	 Availability of advanced weapons in a burgeoning global marketplace

•	 Exponential growth in volume, exchange, and access to information

•	 Surging globalization, interconnectivity, and competition for scarce resources

•	 Dislocating climate, environmental, and demographic trends

Strategic Imperative 2.0
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The consequences of not being adequately prepared for a conflict should a military peer 

arise would be severe and potentially catastrophic. We must maintain our focus on 

deterring potential peer adversaries from using military threats to narrow our diplomatic 

options, or from embarking on militarily risky courses of action. The rapid development 

and proliferation of high-technology weapons, combined with innovative operational 

concepts, is likely to make these global and regional engagements particularly challenging, 

since power balances will be dynamic and the risks of miscalculation and misperception 

high. Therefore, maintaining deterrence will require a sophisticated, competitive strategy 

that assures we maintain required military capabilities for today and make sustainable, 

affordable investments for tomorrow.

Even if we continue to successfully dissuade and deter major competitors, their advanced 

equipment is proliferating worldwide. We are bound to confront these weapons systems 

wherever America engages to promote and defend its interests. We must also vigilantly 

monitor adversary breakthroughs and maintain leading edge research and capabilities 

in fields such as cybernetics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, electromagnetism, 

robotics, energy conversion technology, and advanced propulsion. We cannot assume 

the next military revolution will originate in the West. Indeed, the hub of innovation in 

science and engineering education has shifted eastward. Therefore, we must anticipate 

innovative combinations of traditional and new concepts, doctrines, weapons systems, 

and disruptive technologies.

Given this spectrum of threats, the United States must field an Air Force capable of 

assuring our allies, dissuading and deterring potential adversaries, and, if necessary, 

defeating those who choose to become our enemies.
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2.2 The Role of the U.S. Military

It is always better to deter hostile intent or win without having to fight. Today, 

the U.S. military does this by shaping the international environment with the potent 

tools of assurance, dissuasion, and deterrence. The principal role of the U.S. military 

is to defend our Nation and our national interests. Rooted in overwhelming capabilities 

and plainly linked to the national will, two powerful tools we exercise in this role are 

our assurance to allies that they need not bow to violent threats and our deterrence of 

potential adversaries. Our armed Services accomplish this role by providing a solid 

foundation of military strength to complement the tools of peaceful diplomacy. None 

of these tools alone can sustain our position of international political and economic 

influence. However, we must be prepared to provide our leaders with critical elements 

of U.S. military power to use in proper combination and in an integrated manner to 

address potential threats to our Nation and our interests.

2.3 Sovereign Options 

In response to current and emerging threats, the Air Force has implemented a 

strategy based on providing policy makers with sovereign options for our defense, covering 

the spectrum of choices that air, space, and cyberspace capabilities offer for solving 

problems. We use this strategy for sovereign options to guide how we organize, train, and 

equip our forces. In peacetime, these options include such expedients as: supporting the 

containment of aggressive states or usurping elements of their sovereignty as a means 

short of war to compel positive behavior; signaling opponents of our commitment by 

moving forces into contested regions; and providing humanitarian aid – to both our allies 

and potentially hostile populations – to assure them of friendly U.S. intentions. In war, 

Air Force capabilities provide decision makers with a range of options, from supporting 

Joint and Coalition actions in conjunction with allied land and sea forces to direct strikes 

against enemy centers of gravity to accomplish strategic and tactical objectives. These 

options provide the country with credible and scalable counters to the full range of 

potential enemy actions and support our goals of assurance, dissuasion, and deterrence. 

These sovereign options are enabled by the asymmetric advantage the U.S. possesses 

in air and space technology and the way our preeminence in air, space, and cyberspace 

increases the power of all U.S. and Coalition forces. 
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Through aggressive development of technology and operational concepts, the U.S. 

enjoys leadership in space, and in recent decades has achieved the ability to gain air 

supremacy against enemy air forces and air defense systems. The history of warfare, 

however, shows such advantages to be fleeting and fragile. Air and space preeminence 

is the key to the ability to accurately strike targets within enemy states or enable friendly 

ground or maritime forces to rapidly dominate their respective domains. While U.S. air 

and space preeminence has transformed the way the U.S. fights, allowing Joint and 

Coalition forces unprecedented freedom of action in all domains, the nation cannot rest 

on its laurels. Future preeminence is not guaranteed; instead, it must be planned, paid 

for, developed, and fielded.

More than the ability to win wars, sovereign options increase the nation’s strategic 

flexibility in determining when, how, and where to engage an enemy. War is not a matter 

of convenience. When war is thrust upon us, we must have the strategic depth to shape 

the conditions of conflict. From 1991 to 2003, the use of no-fly zones allowed the U.S. to 

contain the aggressive actions of Saddam Hussein. When his aggressive acts drew us 

into open conflict, the determined use of air power as part of a Joint force crushed Iraq’s 

conventional armies. A similar fate met the forces of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. When 

the Taliban were removed from power in 2001 by a combination of air power working 

with Special Forces and indigenous Northern Alliance troops, we disrupted Osama 

bin Laden’s plan to operate his global terrorist network from the relative sanctuary 

of the Afghan frontier. In the insurgencies that followed these operations, air, space 

and cyberspace power continued to prevent insurgents from massing into guerrilla 

armies, thus diminishing their power and providing friendly forces time and territory to 

establish stability.

The Air Force’s ability to be simultaneously dominant in air, space, and cyberspace, has 

formed the foundation from which we provide sovereign options to policy makers. Our 

ability to operate across these domains and defeat our adversaries in each allows the 

Air Force the ability to multiply the power of Joint and Coalition forces or to act alone to 

achieve national objectives. Our Air Force combines capabilities in the domains of air, 

space, and cyberspace to deliver Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power to 

the Joint force.
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2.4 Cross-Domain Dominance

No future war will be won without air, space, and cyberspace superiority. 

Accordingly, the Air Force must be better postured to contend with both today’s 

and tomorrow’s challenges. To promote and defend America’s interests through 

Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power, the Air Force must attain 

cross-domain dominance.

Airmen appreciate the interdependence of the air, space, and cyberspace domains – 

actions in one domain can lead to decisive effects in any and all domains. Cross-domain 

dominance is the ability to maintain freedom of action in and through the air, space, and 

cyberspace despite adversary actions. It permits rapid and simultaneous application of 

lethal and non lethal capabilities in these three domains to attain strategic, operational, and 

tactical objectives in all warfighting domains: land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. 

Through cross-domain dominance, the Air Force contributes to Joint freedom of maneuver 

in all warfighting domains. This, in turn, allows the Joint Force Commander to achieve 

desired outcomes across the full range of military operations, from humanitarian relief to 

preventing war via dissuasion and deterrence to inflicting strategic paralysis on implacable 

opponents. Without the Air Force’s ability to present this spectrum of capabilities to the 

Joint Team in peace, crisis, and war, U.S. national security would be at risk.

2.5 Implementing the Strategy

The Air Force currently provides Joint and Coalition forces with an air bridge 

to the rest of the world and dominance on the battlefield. This hard-won capability to 

dominate air and space will only persist in coming decades if carefully nurtured.

 

The technology race continues. Today, opponents are studying our operations in Iraq and 

Afghanistan and are rapidly developing counters to aging U.S. air and space superiority 

technology. These adaptive competitors are translating lessons from recent conflicts 

into new warfighting concepts, capabilities, and doctrines specifically designed to 

counter U.S. strengths and exploit vulnerabilities. They are advancing in all domains. 

For example:

•	“Generation 4-plus” fighter aircraftthat challenge America’s existing “4thGeneration”

inventory – and, thus, air superiority – with overwhelming numbers and advanced 

weaponry; sophisticated integration of electronic attack and advanced avionics; emerging 

low-observable technologies; and progressive, realistic, networked training

•	Increasingly lethal integrated air defense systems (IADS)thatthreaten both our Airmen

and aircraft, and could negate weapons used to suppress or destroy these systems
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•	 Proliferation of surface-to-surface missiles with growing range, precision, mobility,

and maneuverability that are capable of delivering both conventional and non 

conventional warheads

•	 Proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of conducting low observable,

persistent, intrusive missions in both lethal and non-lethal modes

•	 Resurgence of offensive counterspace capabilities, including anti-satellite (ASAT)

weapons, jamming, and blinding

•	 Increasing ability of even marginal actors to surveil the disposition of U.S. and allied

assets through widely-accessible, commercially-available means

In the coming years our advantage will significantly diminish if we do not keep pace by 

fielding new 5th Generation fighters, modern bombers, and modern satellites in sufficient 

numbers to counter the development of advanced anti-air and anti-space technologies 

and the inevitable export of those capabilities to potentially hostile states and non-state 

actors. We must provide our Airmen with the most exceptional tools for battle in order 

to sustain a durable and credible deterrent against our adversaries.

Equally worrisome is the rapidly shrinking aerospace industrial base. Historically, 

America’s strength and ability to capitalize on advances in air and space technologies 

hinged largely on its vibrant and diverse aerospace industry. This advantage has 

deteriorated over the last decade. 

Beyond advantages in technology and operational concepts, America’s commitments 

abroad require an expeditionary Air Force that can engage forward in peacetime and 

fight forward in wartime. While long-range bombers and missiles are the ultimate 

guarantor of U.S. security and power, expeditionary presence reflects U.S. power and 

is the indispensable source of local and regional assurance, dissuasion, deterrence, 

and, ultimately, sovereign options. Engaging forward in times of peace and fighting 

forward in times of war are hallmarks of U.S. national security strategy. Therefore, 

the Air Force must have sufficient resources and capability to continue to maintain a 

sustainable, rotational base. We must retain sufficient manpower and force structure 

to project influence.

The mechanism to accomplish this is the Air and Space Expeditionary Force (AEF) that 

provides Joint Force Commanders with a trained and ready air, space, and cyberspace 

force to execute their plans. U.S. influence flows from permanent and expeditionary basing 

and serves to assure allies of U.S. commitment while deterring our adversaries from 

threatening U.S. national interests. The Air Force works with Combatant Commanders 

and partner air forces to secure basing and counter potential anti-access strategies. 

We continue to develop new ways of projecting power without exposing vulnerabilities, 

and we design systems that facilitate reach-back, thus maximizing forward capability 

while minimizing forward footprint.
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The Air Force can provide Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power only so long 

as it possesses robust capabilities in such areas as air dominance; global strike; space 

superiority; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); missile defense; special 

operations; air mobility, and cyberspace superiority. Today, electronic communications 

constitute and connect all Joint and Coalition capabilities. In an information age, this 

network allows us to find our opponents, process the information, route it to where it 

is needed, and guide our munitions to their targets. Cyberspace vastly increases our 

capabilities but also presents a potential vulnerability our adversaries could exploit. Our 

enemies also increasingly use and depend on cyberspace systems. Safeguarding our 

own capabilities while engaging and disrupting the use and purpose of our opponents’ 

capabilities is thus increasingly critical to modern warfare.

If the Air Force is to fulfill its crucial role, we must develop and maintain technological leads 

in the areas of air-superiority, anti-access penetration, and long-range reconnaissance 

and strike capabilities to hold at risk targets around the world. We must also field 

sufficient strike and full-spectrum mobility assets to assure dominance for the Joint Team. 

We must continue treating space as an operational domain by creating architectures 

and systems that allow us to provide the appropriate situational awareness and 

communications capability, giving strategic and tactical advantage to leadership at all 

levels. We must design and develop a force structure to operate in cyberspace to our 

benefit while holding adversaries at risk. While doing so, we will continue our series of 

cross-Service initiatives to enhance interoperability and avoid unnecessary duplication 

of acquisition, manning and operations. 
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We remain committed, first and foremost, to fighting and winning the long Global War 

on Terror (GWOT), sustaining our current operations, and providing strategic defense 

of our Nation. We also continue to adapt our ability to deter adversary activities, detect 

enemy locations, and defeat them through direct or indirect actions when required – 

anywhere and at any time. 

America’s Airmen are key to Joint success and have proven their capabilities applicable 

and adaptable across the entire spectrum of conflict. They are the most battle-tested 

force in our history. Today’s GWOT missions are only the latest in a succession of over 

seventeen years of continuous combat and expeditionary operations, beginning with our 

initial Operation DESERT SHIELD deployments in August 1990; continuing with years 

of persistent conflict in Southwest Asia, Somalia, the Balkans, and Haiti; and through 

ongoing operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. The past seventeen years 

have clearly demonstrated success at any point along the spectrum of conflict requires 

air, space, and cyberspace superiority.

3.1 Maintain Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power for America

We are the Nation’s premier multi-dimensional maneuver force, with the agility, reach, 

speed, stealth, payload, firepower, precision, and persistence to achieve global effects. 

Dominance of air, space, and cyberspace provides the essential bedrock for effective 

Joint operations.

Today’s Air Force provides the Joint Force Commander a range of capabilities that set 

conditions for success. Our Airmen currently fly an average of over 300 sorties daily 

as part of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM (OIF/OEF). These 

sorties include Intertheater and Intratheater Airlift; Aeromedical Evacuation (AE); Aerial 

Refueling; Command and Control (C2); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance 

(ISR); Close Air Support (CAS); and pre-planned Strike.

Our Airmen operate on a global scale every day; Air Force engagement in the Central 

Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) is only the “tip of the iceberg.” The

complete picture of Air Force engagement includes Airmen deployed to contingencies 

outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS), forward deployed in Europe and the 

Pacific, and employed from their home stations as they execute global missions.

3.0 Win Today’s Fight
13

Furthermore, the Air Force is the only Service flying Operation NOBLE EAGLE (ONE) 

missions, which have been continuous since September 2001. America’s Airmen fly 

fighters, tankers, and Airborne Warning and Control aircraft during daily Air Sovereignty 

Alert operations. America’s Airmen also command and control these aircraft, maintaining 

vigilance and protection of America’s air corridors and maritime approaches in defense 

of our Homeland.

Since 2001 the Active Duty Air Force has reduced its end-strength by almost 6%, but our 

deployments have increased over 30% – primarily in support of GWOT. Approximately 

26,000 Airmen are deployed to over 100 locations around the world to fight in the GWOT 

at any given moment – fighting our enemies in their own backyard so they cannot come 

to ours. In addition, approximately 208,000 Airmen – 178,000 Regular Air Force Airmen 

plus 30,000 Guard and Reserve Airmen – fulfill additional Combatant Commander 

(CCDR) requirements, missions and tasks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In other

words, approximately 41% of our Total Force Airmen – including 54% of the Regular

force – are globally contributing to winning today’s fight and are directly fulfilling CCDR 

requirements everyday.

Whether controlling satellites, flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), standing strategic 

missile alert, or analyzing intelligence information, Airmen directly engage America’s 

adversaries and affect events worldwide every day.

3.1.1Intelligence, Surveillance, 

and Reconnaissance

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) is the foundation of Global Vigilance, 

Global Reach, and Global Power. It cuts across all domains and affects almost every 

mission area. Today, ISR efforts make up the majority of the operations required to 

achieve our security objectives. These operations range from finding the enemy, to 

deconstructing its network and intentions, to making it possible to deliver weapons or 

other effects on target, to subsequently assessing the results of those efforts.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance is the linchpin of our Effects-Based Approach 

to Operations (EBAO). It is impossible to accurately predict the effect of operations on an 

enemy system without good intelligence; nor can one assess the outcome of delivered 

effects without detailed surveillance and reconnaissance. Intelligence requirements for 

an effects-based approach to operations and effects-based assessment (EBA) are much 

more demanding than the old attrition-based model. The increased intelligence detail 

necessary for EBAO/EBA makes focused reconnaissance and persistent surveillance 

operations even more crucial. 
14

The Air Force has demonstrated its commitment to the importance of ISR by establishing 

a 3-star Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR, the Air Force ISR Agency, and formed a global 

organization for the processing of ISR data from a variety of sources. These initiatives 

demonstrate the Air Force has shifted the way it manages ISR capabilities from a Cold 

War platform perspective to a 21st Century holistic capability-based approach. 

3.1.2 Strike

In addition to our ONE missions over the Homeland, America’s Airmen 

fly daily OIF and OEF missions, keeping a watchful eye on America’s adversaries and 

providing lethal combat capabilities that take the fight to our enemies. In 2007, America’s 

Airmen conducted nearly 1,600 strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Iraq alone, Air Force 

strikes increased by 171% over the previous year, while in Afghanistan strikes increased 

by 22%. These increases clearly demonstrate the applicability, flexibility, and prevalence 

of Air Force combat options in ongoing OIF and OEF counterinsurgency operations.

Engaging directly is only a small portion of what the Air Force provides. To meet current 

and future challenges, we must maintain a credible deterrent that convinces potential 

adversaries of our unwavering commitment to defend our Nation, its allies and friends. 

One prominent example is our ICBM force – the U.S. nuclear arsenal continues to serve 

as the ultimate backstop of our security, dissuading opponents and reassuring allies 

through extended deterrence. Besides continuing the re-capitalization of our fighter 

force, we must also modernize our bomber and ICBM forces.

3.1.3 Space

Space superiority, like air superiority, has become a fundamental predicate 

to Joint warfighting. Indeed, America’s space superiority has completely transformed 

the way America fights. America’s Airmen currently operate 67 satellites and provide 

command and control infrastructure for over 140 satellites in total, providing the nation

persistent global communications; weather coverage; strategic early warning; global 

Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT); signals and ISR capabilities – all vital to 

Joint success. 

Space superiority relies on assured access to space, and Air Force launch programs 

continue to provide this capability. In 2007, we extended our record to 56 straight launch 

successes, including deployment of two new Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. 

Also in 2007, we successfully launched the first operational Evolved Expendable Launch 

Vehicle (EELV) heavy lift rocket. This rocket deployed the final satellite in the Defense 

Support Program (DSP) constellation of ballistic missile warning satellites.
15

3.1.4 Airlift

Airlift is an Air Force core competency, and our Airmen prove it everyday. 

Air Force airlifters – both Intertheater and Intratheater – have become absolutely 

indispensable to Joint Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as to crisis response 

planners and responders in the wake of natural disasters both at home and abroad. 

The Air Force gives America an air bridge – a strategic asset providing operational 

reach – making possible the deployment and employment of Joint combat power and 

humanitarian relief.

Airmen provide the Nation’s ground forces with the tactical, operational, strategic, and 

logistical reach to rapidly deploy, deliver, supply, re-supply, egress, and evacuate via air 

anywhere in the world. In Iraq, Air Force airlift delivers approximately 3,500 equivalent 

truckloads of cargo in an average month, taking more than 8,600 people off dangerous 

roads and providing the Army and Marine Corps the flexibility to re-assign those vehicles 

and associated support troops to alternate missions and safer routes.

3.1.5 Aeromedical Evacuation

Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) is a Total Force, combat-proven 

system contributing a unique, vital capability to the Joint fight. AE and enroute care are 

built on teamwork, synergy, and Joint execution, providing Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, 

Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen the highest casualty survival rates in the history of warfare. 

Casualties treated in our deployed and Joint theater hospitals have an incredible 97% 

survival rate.

Since late 2001, we have transported more than 48,500 patients from the CENTCOM

AOR to higher levels of care. We continue to refine this remarkable capability and the 

enroute care system built upon our expeditionary medical system.

3.1.6Joint Force Land Component Tasks

Of the approximately 26,000 Airmen currently deployed in the CENTCOM 

AOR, over 6,200 are performing tasks and missions normally assigned to the Land 

Component – also known as “In LieuOf” (ILO)tasks. Airmen currently fill other Services’

billets in some of their stressed skill areas and are taking on tasks outside Air Force core 

competencies. Since 2004 we have deployed approximately 24,000 Airmen in support

of such ILO tasks, and we expect a steady increase in that total.

In addition to the 6,200 Airmen currently deployed supporting ILO taskings, over 1,000 

Airmen are “in the pipeline” for ILOTask training at any given time. Within the Joint Team,

Airmen provide the Joint Force Commander distinctive skills. While complementary, 

these skills are not interchangeable amongst the team, thus Airmen require ground-
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centric combat training to accomplish ILO taskings. This training increases personnel 

tempo (PERSTEMPO) for our Airmen, but, more importantly, ILO tasks and training 

consumes critical training time, resources, manpower, and in some cases reduces 

overall proficiency in Air Force core mission areas. In many cases, Air Force career 

fields already at critical manning levels are further affected by unit deployment rates of 

as high as 40%, primarily filling ILO taskings. Such high deployment rates from units

cannot be absorbed without putting at risk the critical missions and capabilities the Air 

Force provides our Nation. This situation creates additional risk to the critical missions 

the Air Force performs and capabilities the Air Force provides our Nation.

3.2 Strengthen Global Partnerships

Fighting and winning the GWOT requires commitment, capability, and cooperation 

from our allies and partners around the world. We depend on them to secure their territory, 

support regional stability, provide base access and overflight rights, and contribute a host of 

air, space, and cyber power capabilities as interoperable Coalition partners.

So America’s strategic partnerships are more important than ever. Our Air Force will strengthen 

and broaden international relationships, capitalizing on the global community of like-minded 

Airmen while attending to interoperability between allies and partners. Building these 

relationships not only expands, extends, and strengthens Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and 

Global Power, but also leverages the Air Force’s value as an engine of progress and, thus, as 

a potent instrument of America’s diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world. 

The Air Force strives to develop synergistic, interoperable air forces utilizing a capabilities-based 

approach. Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales allow our partners to operate 

common systems with the Air Force while providing a vehicle to expand relationships with our 

international partners. Some recent examples of mutually beneficial agreements include 

Australian, Canadian, and British selection of C-17 Globemaster III airlifters; international 

participation in the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and the Advanced 

Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications program; British Royal Air Force 

procurement of MQ-9 Reaper UAVs; and Australian participation in the Wideband Global 

SATCOM (WGS) system. Future opportunities for partnerships – with platforms such as UAVs, 

C-17s, C-130Js, and the new C-27 – can open doors for greater interoperability, personnel 

exchanges, common doctrine, and training.
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In addition to integrating international partners into the most robust combat training scenarios, 

we maintain our commitment to the pursuit of partnerships for greater global cooperation, 

security, and stability. We recently held the 3rd Global Air Chiefs Conference in Washington, 

DC, which gave over 90 international Air Chiefs the opportunity to learn, understand, and share 

concerns and issues with fellow Airmen from around the world. We are also making strides 

to improve language expertise and cultural understanding through deliberate development of 

Airmen in the International Affairs Specialist program, expanding Military Personnel Exchange 

Program, and cultivating skilled and knowledgeable attachés. 

 

The Air Force’s approach to operations, interoperability and training exemplify our global, 

international, and expeditionary perspective – built on the shared traditions of airmanship 

that transcend geographic boundaries.
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Any organizational renaissance begins with people. We must prepare our Airmen for a 

future fraught with challenges, fostering their intellectual curiosity and ability to learn, 

anticipate, and adapt. Because our expeditionary Airmen must be prepared to deploy 

and ready to fight, we are revitalizing the world’s most advanced training system and 

expanding their educational opportunities. While we enrich our Airmen’s culture, 

leadership, training, education, and heritage, we will also continue to care for their 

families and provide for their future. 

Our Airmen are our most precious resource. They must be well-trained and ready for 

expeditionary warfighting responsibilities. Fiscal constraints dictate that we continue 

to carefully shape the force. Additionally, within the context of rising costs, we remain 

committed to providing the highest possible quality of life standards and charting out a 

career full of education and training for each Airman. We will continue our emphasis 

on recruiting and retaining the world’s highest quality Airmen. Additional Air Force high 

priority efforts serve to reinforce a warrior ethos throughout our Service, provide proactive 

force health protection, and encourage Air Reserve Component (ARC) volunteerism.

Spanning six decades of Air Force history, particularly over the past seventeen years, our 

Airmen have proven themselves as the global first responders in times of crisis – taking 

action anytime, anywhere. The foundations for this well-deserved reputation are the 

quality and frequency of the training and education we provide and our commitment to 

the highest possible safety and quality of life standards.

4.1 Shape the Force

Ultimately, we must produce a Total Force that is sized and shaped to consistently 

meet current and future requirements – balanced against the compelling need to maintain 

high quality of life standards – to meet the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

During the 1990s, while engaged in continuous combat, the Air Force suffered a seven 

year “procurement holiday.” Today, fiscal constraints have tightened as energy and

health care costs have continued to increase dramatically. 

 

In late 2005,the Air Force reduced its end strength by 40,000 ActiveDuty,Guard,Reserve

and civilian Full-time Equivalents (FTEs) in order to self-finance the vital re-capitalization 

and modernization of our aircraft, space, and missile inventories. End strength reduction 

by 40,000 FTEs over a 3-year period was our only viable alternative to preserve the

required investment capital.

4.0 Take Care of Our People
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Our Force Shaping efforts have placed us on a path to meet our end strength targets. 

However, personnel changes of this magnitude come with a degree of uncertainty and 

difficulty for our Airmen and their families. We are making every effort to use voluntary 

measures to shape the force with the right skills mix, increase manning in stressed 

career fields, leverage new technologies, and refine our internal processes to reduce 

workload and reduce or eliminate unnecessary work through Air Force Smart Operations 

21 (AFSO21).

We have reduced our Air Force end strength using a methodology that has preserved a 

strong expeditionary capability. Our AEF construct provides an enterprise view of Service 

risk that synchronizes our resources and assets to support our global requirements. 

However, reducing Air Force end strength further, coupled with ILO taskings for the 

foreseeable future, carries considerable risks of “burning out” our Airmen in several

critical expeditionary career fields as well as limiting our future national options to meet 

global mission requirements in an increasingly volatile world. 

4.2 Ensure Highest Quality of Life Standards

Our “People” priority demands we ensure the quality oflife we offer our Airmen

meets the highest possible standards. Because the nature of our Air Force mission 

demands a highly educated, trained, and experienced force, we recognize the direct 

linkages between quality of life issues and their impact on our recruiting, retention, and, 

ultimately, our mission capability.

4.2.1 Housing and Military Construction

Air Force investments in housing underscore our emphasis on 

developing and caring for Airmen. Through Military Construction (MILCON) and 

housing privatization, we are providing higher quality homes faster than ever. With 

the FY09 funding, we will revitalize more than 2,100 homes through improvement 

or replacement. We are on track to meet our FY09 goal of eliminating inadequate 

housing at overseas locations. 

MILCON is an essential enabler of Air Force missions; however, due to fiscal constraints, 

we must reduce funding and accept greater risk in facilities and infrastructure in order 

to continue our efforts to recapitalize and modernize our aging aircraft and equipment. 

However, our new construction projects are state of the art, incorporating energy efficient 

features and sustainable designs. We have prioritized the most critical requirements to 

support the Air Force and DoD requirements. Our MILCON plan supports these priorities 

by focusing on new mission beddowns, training, and depot transformation, as well as 

dormitory and child care center upgrades.
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4.2.2Joint Basing

The Air Force has a long and successful history of working toward common 

goals in a Joint environment without compromising Air Force principles and the wellbeing of our people. Joint Basing initiatives are no exception. To guarantee success, 

each Joint Base should be required to provide a suitable setting to all of its assigned 

personnel, their families, and other customers within the local communities our 

bases support.

To accomplish this, we advocate establishment of a common Joint Base quality of life 

standard. Our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, DoD Civilians and their families will 

benefit from efficient, consistent installation support services. Such standards will ensure 

the Air Force and our sister Services continue to provide all personnel with the level of 

installation support services they deserve. As we work with the Office of the Secretary 

of Defense and our sister Services, we will ensure all Joint Basing initiatives contribute 

to the DoD’s ability to perform its mission. We will also safeguard against potential 

negative impacts to the Joint and Air Force approach to mission performance.

To do this, we will have to work through the transfer of TOA and real property without 

eroding the local installation commander’s prerogatives relative to satisfying mission and 

training requirements, optimizing installation resources, tailoring installation services 

to local needs, and prioritizing MILCON funding. We will also have to work through the 

transfer without reducing the combat capability our bases generate, installation service 

support standards, or the quality of life for Service members, their families, and other 

customers of these services. 

 

We look forward to establishing a BRAC-envisioned executive agency agreement involving 

local leaders and the local unit commander. Such an agency, combined with elimination 

of duplicate offices and administration of centrally agreed standards, would improve 

efficiency while safeguarding mission requirements and quality of life for families and 

Service members. We believe the natural, direct feedback and tension between a service 

provider and a paying customer is the best model to drive efficiency and cost savings. 

 

The Air Force remains committed to ensuring that all bases, Joint or otherwise, 

maintain their capability to perform their missions and meet our quality of life 

standards. We want Joint Bases to be so efficient and effective that an assignment to a Joint base would be a highlight for every Service member. 

 
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4.3 Recruit, Train and Retain 

Highest Quality Airmen

The Air Force is the “Retention Service” – we recruit, train, develop, and retain the best

America has to offer. Our emphasis on retention stems from the high technical and 

operational expertise required of our personnel. The high morale, cohesiveness, and 

capability of the Air Force are due to our efforts to retain a highly experienced, educated, 

and skilled force.

The Air Force has never lowered its recruiting standards. We continue to recruit and 

choose the best America has to offer from our diverse population. Our recruiting and 

retention figures remain impressive, clearly indicating our success to date and the 

effectiveness of the Air Force’s holistic approach to quality of life, recruiting, and retention. 

This success reaffirms our commitment to long-term family support efforts, education, 

and training. 

While we recruit Airmen, we retain families. We believe our Airmen should never have 

to choose between serving their country and providing for their families. Quality of 

life and family support are critical elements of our overall effort to retain high quality 

Airmen. As part of our efforts to maintain high quality of life standards, we are concerned 

with the hardships facing our Air Force families resulting from the frequent moves 

our Airmen and other Service members make throughout their careers. We applaud 

ongoing Congressional and interstate efforts addressing such issues as transfer of 

educational credits for military members and dependents, professional certifications 

for military spouses, and economic support for military families coping with spousal 

income disadvantages.

Additionally, Air Force training initiatives continue to evolve, improving our ability to develop 

and retain the world’s best air, space, and cyberspace warriors. We are concentrating our 

efforts to reprioritize Air Force professional education opportunities to reflect a balance 

between winning today’s fight and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Tuition assistance continues to be a strong incentive that helps ensure we meet our 

recruiting and retention goals. We believe voluntary education, facilitated with tuition 

assistance, not only aids in recruiting and retention, but further reinforces national 

strength and richness by producing more effective professional Airmen and more 

productive American citizens for the Nation, both during their enlistment and their 

eventual return to civilian life.
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Withinthe lasttwo yearswehave takenseveralinitiatives to “intellectually and professionally

recapitalize” our Airmen. We are developing leaders with the management acumen,

cultural sophistication, international expertise, and language skills to successfully lead a 

diverse, globally engaged force. Air Education and Training Command and Air University 

are leading our efforts to reinvigorate the world’s most advanced educational system 

for Airmen by expanding our full-spectrum educational opportunities. 

 

Finally, we optimized and expanded our training regimes to take advantage of more 

modern methods and broader scope in our live exercises. RED FLAG exercises now 

offer two venues, Nevada and Alaska, with varied environments; take advantage of 

Distributed Mission Operations technologies; include Total Force Airmen from the 

Regular and Reserve Components; and offer the full range of integrated operations, 

offering realistic training for warriors from across the Services, Components, and our 

international partners.
23

In addition to taking care of our Airmen and training them for the full-spectrum challenges 

we expect this Century, it is also our responsibility to ensure our Airmen have the weapons 

and equipment necessary to provide for our Nation’s defense.

The U.S. cannot take advantages in air, space, and cyberspace for granted. Today, we 

are already being challenged in every warfighting domain. The Air Force is actively 

formulating innovative operational concepts to anticipate, adapt to, and overcome future 

challenges. We are transforming our thinking from considering the space and cyber 

domains as mere enablers of air operations to a holistic approach that recognizes their 

interdependence and leverages their unique characteristics. We will continue to push 

this conceptual envelope and expand the boundaries of existing tactics, techniques, and 

procedures to fully exploit the synergies of cross-domain dominance. 

 

But we cannot hone America’s edge without modernizing the Air Force’s air, space, and 

cyberspace capabilities. We are therefore pursuing the biggest, most complex, and 

most important recapitalization and modernization effort in Air Force history. These 

programs will gain and maintain militarily important advantages for our Nation for the 

coming decades.

5.1 Top Acquisition Priorities

The Air Force’s top acquisition priorities begin to address our critical 

recapitalization and modernization needs – the new Tanker (KC-X); the new Combat 

Search and Rescue helicopter (CSAR-X); modern space systems to provide capabilities 

vital to our Joint warfighters; the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter; and a new Bomber we plan 

to field by 2018.

Additional high-priority acquisition programs include F-22 5th Generation fighter 

production; C-17 production; continued production of the C-130J and introduction of 

the C-27 intratheater airlifter; and expansion of the MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, and 

RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV inventories.

Prepare for Tomorrow’s Challenge 5.0
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5.1.1 New Tanker (KC-X) 

The KC-X is our highest procurement priority. It is critical to the entire 

Joint and Coalition military team’s ability to project combat power around the world, and 

gives America and our allies’ unparalleled rapid response to combat and humanitarian 

relief operations alike. KC-X tankers will provide increased aircraft availability, more 

adaptable technology, more flexible employment options, and greater overall capability 

than the current inventory of KC-135E and KC-135R tankers they will replace. It is 

imperative we begin a program of smart, steady reinvestment in a new tanker – coupled 

with measured, timely retirements of the oldest, least capable KC-135E tankers – to 

ensure future viability of this unique and vital U.S. national capability.

5.1.2 New Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter (CSAR-X)

The Air Force organizes, trains, and equips dedicated forces for the Combat Search and 

Rescue (CSAR) mission. The Air Force must recapitalize our CSAR forces to maintain 

this indispensable capability for the Nation and the Joint Team. Purchasing the entire 

complement of programmed CSAR-X aircraft will relieve the high-tempo operational 

strain placed on the current inventory of aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. 

 

The CSAR mission is a moral and ethical imperative. Airmen are responsible for safely 

securing and returning our Airmen and members of the Joint and Coalition team. 

The CSAR-X helicopter will provide a more reliable, more responsive capability for 

rapid recovery of downed, injured, or isolated personnel in day or night, all weather 

and adverse conditions, as well as support non-combatant evacuation and disaster 

relief operations.

5.1.3 Space Systems

 Air Force communications, ISR, and geo-positioning satellites are the 

bedrock of the Joint Team’s ability to find, fix, target, assess, communicate, and navigate. 

While many of our satellites have outlived their designed endurance, they are generally less 

durable than other platforms and sensors. Over the next ten years we must recapitalize 

all of these systems, replacing them with new ones that enhance our capabilities and 

provide mission continuity, maintaining the asymmetric advantages our space forces 

provide our Nation.
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The WGS system, AEHF, and the Transformational Satellite Communications (TSAT) 

program will assure a more robust and reliable communications capability designed to 

counter emerging threats and meet expanding Joint communications requirements.

The GPS II-F and III programs will add a more robust PNT capability to America’s 

established GPS constellation. GPS III will utilize a block approach to acquisition and 

will deliver enhanced civil and military PNT capabilities to worldwide users.

The Space Based Infrared System will enhance the Air Force’s early warning missile 

defense, technical intelligence, and battlespace awareness capabilities through improved 

infrared sensing, missile warning, and data processing.

The Air Force will continue to develop space situation awareness (SSA) capabilities to 

help protect space assets from future threats. We are also pursuing more robust space 

protection measures to warn of attacks, provide redundant command and control, harden 

electronics, and defend against direct attacks. The Space Based Space Surveillance 

(SBSS) system will be the first orbital sensor with a primary mission of SSA. This system, 

along with other developments such as the Rapid Attack Identification Detection and 

Reporting System will improve our ability to characterize the space environment – the 

friends and foes operating in it, and the objects traversing it.

5.1.4 F-35A Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter)

The F-35A Lightning II will be the mainstay of America’s future fighter 

force, providing an affordable, multi-role complement to the F-22 Raptor. In addition to 

fielding advanced combat capabilities, the Lightning II will also strengthen integration 

of our Total Force and will enhance interoperability with global partners.

The F-35A Lightning II boasts 5th Generation, precision engagement, low-observable 

(stealth), and attack capabilities that will benefit not only the Air Force, but also the 

Navy, Marines, and our international partners involved in the program. The F-35A is 

the Conventional Take-off and Landing (CTOL) variant, and it will replace, recapitalize, 

and extend Air Force F-117, F-16, and A-10 combat capabilities. The F-35A also serves 

as the recapitalization program for our international partners’ aging F-16s, F-18s, and 

other 4th Generation fighter aircraft.

Complete dominance of the air and freedom of maneuver for the entire Joint force 

demand the complementary capabilities of the F-22 and F-35A 5th Generation of fighters. 

Together, they promise the ability to sweep the skies, take down the enemy’s air defenses, 

and provide persistent, lethal air cover of the battlefield. The leading edge capabilities 

of the F-35A, in development and low rate production now, will provide an affordable, 

Joint Service, international complement to the F-22.
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5.1.5New Bomber

Range and payload are the soul of an Air Force. These capabilities, along 

with precision, lethality, survivability, and responsiveness are fundamental to modern 

strategic military deterrence, and apply across the full range of military operations 

– from tactical to strategic, kinetic to non-kinetic. And yet our nation has just twentyone bombers currently capable of penetrating modern air defenses. Even these B-2 

Spirit stealth bombers have limitations and will become relatively less capable and 

less survivable against advanced anti-access technologies being developed and fielded 

around the world. Furthermore, our current bomber inventory is becoming more costly 

to operate and maintain. Indeed, some suppliers for spare parts no longer exist.

The Air Force is therefore pursuing acquisition of a new Bomber by 2018 and in 

accordance with Quadrennial Defense Review goals for long range strike capability. This 

next generation bomber will feature stealth, payload, and improved avionics/sensors 

suites, and will incorporate highly advanced technologies. It will also bring America’s 

bomber forces up to the same high standard we are setting with our F-22 and F-35A 

5th Generation fighters, and ensure our bomber force’s ability to fulfill our Nation’s and 

the Combatant Commanders’ global requirements.

5.2Improve our Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power

Because Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power constitute America’s edge, 

we must continually hone our ability to provide them. Our acquisition programs aim to 

broaden Global Vigilance, extend Global Reach, and strengthen Global Power advantages 

for America.

5.2.1 Broaden Global Vigilance

The Air Force provides the global eyes and ears of the Joint Team and 

our Nation. Using a vast array of terrestrial, airborne, and spaceborne sensors, we 

monitor and characterize the earth’s sea, air, space, land, and cyberspace domains 

around the clock and around the world. The information collected through surveillance 

and reconnaissance, and converted into intelligence by exploitation and analysis, is used 

to formulate strategy, policy, and military plans; to develop and conduct campaigns; 

guide acquisition of future capabilities; and to protect, prevent, and prevail against 

threats and aggression aimed at the U.S. and its interests. It is relied upon at levels 

ranging from the President and senior decision makers to commanders in air and 

space operations centers to ground units engaged with the enemy to pilots dropping 

precision-guided munitions.
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The future vision of all the U.S. military Services is information-driven. Success will hinge 

on America’s integrated air, space, and cyberspace advantages. Air Force assets like the 

E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control 

System, RC-135 Rivet Joint, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-1 Predator, and our constellations

of satellites contribute vital ISR capabilities and networking services that are integral 

to every aspect of every Joint operation. Our recapitalization and modernization plan 

aims to dramatically increase the quantity and quality of ISR capabilities, products, and 

services available to the Joint Team and the Nation. Our recapitalization efforts are 

focused on extending the lifespans and capability sets of our workhorse platforms, such 

as the RC-135 Rivet Joint and several space-based assets. We are also working to find 

and leverage previously untapped ISR capabilities such as those on fighters carrying 

targeting pods. Finally, we have made a concerted effort to ensure the viability of Air 

Force space communications, PNT, early warning missions, and SSA capabilities to 

provide uninterrupted mission continuity for America and our allies.

5.2.2 Extend Global Reach

America’s Airmen provide the long legs and lift for Joint warfighters’ rapid 

global mobility as well as the long arms for global strike and high endurance for global 

persistence and presence. On a daily basis, Air Force intertheater and intratheater 

airlift and mobility forces support all DoD branches as well as other government agency 

operations all over the world. Yet the increased demand for their capabilities and 

their decreased availability underscore the critical need for tanker recapitalization and 

investment to ensure the long-term viability of this vital national capability.

5.2.3 Strengthen Global Power

The U.S. Air Force provides the ability to achieve precise, tailored 

effects whenever, wherever, and however needed – kinetic and non-kinetic, lethal and 

non-lethal, at the speed of sound and soon at the speed of light. It is an integrated 

cross-domain capability that rests on our ability to dominate the air, space, and 

cyberspace domains.

The Global Power advantages the Air Force provides the Joint Team ensure freedom of 

maneuver, freedom from attack, and freedom to attack for the Joint Team. However, 

failure to invest in sufficient quantities of modern capabilities seriously jeopardizes these 

advantages and risks the lives of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. 

 

5.3 Retire Aging, Worn Out Aircraft

The Air Force has been in continuous combat since 1990 – 17 years and counting 

– taking a toll on our people and rapidly aging equipment. While we remain globally 

engaged, we recognize the imperative of investing in the future through recapitalization 
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and modernization. Beyond fielding new aircraft, we must also retire significant portions 

of our oldest, most obsolete aircraft if we are to build a modern, 21st Century Air Force. 

Our aircraft inventories are the oldest in our history, and are more difficult and expensive 

to maintain than ever. They require a larger footprint when deployed, and are significantly 

less combat-capable in today’s increasingly advanced and lethal environment. In the 

years ahead they will be less and less capable of responding to or surviving the threats 

and crises that may emerge.

Since 2005, we have attempted to divest significant numbers of old, worn out aircraft. 

However, legislative restrictions on aircraft retirements remain an obstacle to efficient 

divestiture of our oldest, least capable, and most costly to maintain aircraft. Lifting these 

restrictions will alleviate considerable pressure on our already constrained resources 

that continue to erode our overall capabilities.

5.4 Preserve America’s Aerospace Industrial Base

America’s public and private aerospace industrial base, workforce, and 

capabilities are vital to the Air Force and national defense. The aerospace industry 

produced the brainpower, innovations, technology, and vehicles that propelled the 

U.S. to global leadership in the 20th Century. The aerospace sector gave birth to the 

technologies and minds that have made the information age a reality. This key industrial 

sector continues to lead and produce the technologies and capabilities America needs 

to safeguard our future.

Yet this vital industry has deteriorated over the last decade. We have witnessed an 

industry consolidation and contraction – from more than ten domestic U.S. aircraft 

manufacturers in the early 1990s to only three prime domestic aircraft manufacturers 

today. Without funding, in the coming decade production lines will irreversibly close, 

skilled workforces will age or retire, and companies will shut their doors. The U.S. 

aerospace industry is rapidly approaching a point of no return. As Air Force assets 

wear out, the U.S. is losing the ability to build new ones. We must reverse this erosion 

through increased investment.

We must find ways to maintain and preserve our aerospace industrial capabilities. 

We must maintain national options for keeping production lines open. Complex 21st 

Century weapons systems cannot be produced without long lead development and 

procurement actions. Additionally, we must continue our investment in a modern, 

industrial sustainment base. Air Force depots and private sector maintenance centers 

have played vital roles in sustaining our capabilities and have become models of modern 

industrial transformation. We are fully committed to sustaining a healthy, modern depot 

level maintenance and repair capability. 
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Furthermore, we must recognize that these industry capabilities represent our national 

ability to research, innovate, develop, produce, and sustain the advanced technologies 

and systems we will continue to need in the future. This vital industrial sector represents 

a center of gravity and single point vulnerability for our national defense.

5.5 Extend Production 

Acquisition programs set the stage to field future capabilities. So we must 

make prudent decisions to maintain current production of advanced systems in order to 

reach required force structure goals and provide a hedge against future uncertainty. For 

example, we must maintain and extend the existing production line for C-130J intratheater 

airlifters. This aircraft represents America’s best technology and capability. 

We strongly recommend taking action to ensure these vital production lines remain open. 

Maintaining current production lines will be critical to revitalizing our force structure, 

setting conditions for future success, and providing America with the option – should 

conditions dictate – to produce additional modern, advanced technology aircraft without 

having to start from square one. 

 

5.6 Strengthen Total Force Integration

The Air Force is dedicated to ensuring our States and Nation get the most 

combat effective, most efficient force possible to accomplish our mission faster and 

with greater capacity, around the world and at home. We believe integrating our Total 

Force is the best way to do that. 

 

America’s Airmen set the DoD standard for Reserve Component integration. The Air 

Reserve Component (ARC) – comprised of the Air National Guard (ANG) and the Air 

Force Reserve Command (AFRC) – is an operational reserve and an essential element of 

the U.S. Air Force. We are developing concepts, strategies, force management policies 

and practices, and legal authorities to access sufficient ARC forces without the need 

for involuntary mobilization. Though the Air Force is already the model for melding its 

Guard, Reserve, and civilians with its Regular Air Force elements, we can and will push 

this synergy to new levels.

A distinguishing hallmark of the Air Force is the ease with which Total Force Airmen 

work seamlessly together at home and abroad. From the first Reserve Associate unit 

in 1968 to the full integration of Guard and Reserve units into the AEF in the 1990s, the 

Air Force has a well-established history of employing Airmen from all components in 

innovative and effective ways.
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Total Force Integration (TFI) represents a long-term Air Force commitment to transformation. 

TFI maximizes the Air Force’s overall Joint combat capability, forming a more cohesive 

force and capitalizing on the strengths inherent within Regular, Guard and Reserve 

elements. Including the ARC in emerging mission areas increases the Air Force’s ability 

to retain critical skills should Airmen decide to transition from the Regular Air Force 

to the ARC. We will continue to review policies and practices – through our Continuum 

of Service initiative – to optimize sustainment support to the warfighting force and 

further integrate personnel management across the Total Force. TFI will be critical to 

meeting the challenges of competing resource demands, an aging aircraft inventory, 

and organizing, training, and equipping for emerging missions.

We are leveraging our Total Force to the greatest extent ever. We expect the Total 

Force to produce the vanguard elements we will need as we expand our leading role in 

cyberspace and explore new cyber technologies. Many of our most experienced cyber 

warriors, having attained the high level of expertise required to excel in this domain, are 

found in our Guard, Reserve, and Civilian ranks. 

5.6.1 Total Force Roadmap

As an integral element of our procurement efforts, we have built a 

global Total Force Roadmap for acquiring and basing new aircraft and equipment. 

Just as our AEF construct seamlessly draws upon all of the Total Force components, 

the beddown of future Air Force aircraft and equipment integrates Regular, Guard and 

Reserve Airmen beginning with the first phases of production and basing through Full 

Operational Capability.

The Roadmap represents a more efficient and flexible force structure. Although the Air 

Force will have a smaller total aircraft inventory compared to our current inventory of 

aircraft, overall Air Force capabilities will increase with each next-generation weapons 

system. In numerous instances, the potential locations will capitalize on Total Force 

Integration efforts, creating innovative organizational arrangements among Regular, 

Guard, and Reserve components. This effort takes advantage of the inherent strengths 

of each component.

The Air Force Roadmap provides a planning construct for the future which, if adequately 

resourced, will result in the required force structure that will give our Nation the best 

capability for Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power across the globe; to reassure 

allies, to dissuade, deter, and defeat adversaries; and to protect the Homeland.
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5.7 Secure the Future

To maximize the potential advantages of our programs in the future, the 

Air Force is engaging in multiple initiatives to better organize, train, and equip our 

forces. Whether harnessing the complementary capabilities of the F-22 and F-35A 

programs to provide Air Dominance for the Joint Team; strengthening our National 

Security Space Enterprise; leading efforts to acquire interoperable Unmanned Aerial 

Systems (UAS); developing Cyber Warriors; or pursuing alternative energy solutions 

with environmentally safe production processes, the Air Force continues to investigate 

and embrace opportunities to secure Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power 

for our Nation’s future. 

5.7.1 Strengthen Joint Air Dominance

America’s Airmen are understandably proud of their contributions to 

the Joint fight. Airmen have prevented enemy aircraft from inflicting any U.S. ground 

force casualties for over 50 years, and our Nation must maintain the required capability 

advantages to continue this record in the future. With advancing technology and 

proliferating threats, the Nation also needs the right equipment for the Homeland 

Defense mission to protect civilians on American soil. 

 

The F-22 Raptor and the F-35A Lightning II JSF are leading-edge, modern, 5th Generation 

fighters. They are not modernized versions of old designs. These aircraft reap the 

benefits of decades of advanced research, technology development, open architecture 

design, and operational experience. These fighters are furthermore designed to be 

complementary – the F-22 being superior in speed and maneuverability, and the F-35A 

being optimized for ground attack and multi-role capabilities. These fighters will provide 

the advanced warfighting capabilities, aircraft system synergies, and the flexibility and 

versatility required in future environments and engagements.

Currently in production and fully operational with Total Force units in Virginia and Alaska, 

and with units planned for New Mexico and Hawaii, the F-22 is the newest member of 

the Air, Space, and Cyber Expeditionary Force. Airmen are putting the Raptor through 

its paces – flying and deploying the world’s first and only operational 5th Generation 

fighter. Its attributes of speed, stealth, maneuverability, internal weapons carriage, 

advanced sensors, and adaptable, integrated avionics will meet our Nation’s enduring 

national security requirements to gain and maintain Joint air dominance in anti-access 

environments; provide powerful sensing capabilities and battlespace situational awareness; 

and precisely engage a broad range of surface targets.
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It is vital to our national interests that 5th Generation fighter production capability be 

preserved. This year the F-35A will continue development and begin its ramp-up to full 

rate production in 2014. Continuing production ensures the aerospace industry keeps its

technical edge, maintains an able workforce to respond to uncertainties, and preserves 

critical skills and production suppliers. Uninterrupted production in sufficient numbers 

of 5th Generation fighters remains the lowest risk strategy and best future guarantee 

for homeland air sovereignty and Joint air dominance.

5.7.2 Lead Joint Unmanned Aircraft System

Operational Development

The Air Force is the world leader for successful, innovative, and effective development, 

acquisition, and operation of Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and the UAS that incorporate UAs 

and the command and control (C2) networks and equipment to employ them. Future 

successful Joint UAS acquisitions and operations hinge upon execution of three critical 

elements, which align cohesively with Joint doctrine: 

Develop Joint UA CONOPS. UA operators serve the global Joint mission through 

interoperability and interdependence. Globally- and Jointly-integrated UAS operations 

and capabilities – from strategic to tactical – are necessary for Joint success. CONOPS 

development must focus on accomplishing the Joint mission as opposed to serving 

functional components.

Standardize and Streamline UAS Acquisitions. We must develop an affordable Joint 

acquisition strategy for future UAS development, organization, and employment. Air 

Force acquirers and operators pioneered UAS development and application in Joint 

warfare, and have established best practices for organizing, training, standardizing, and 

equipping the world’s most effective UAS operations squadrons.

Ensure Airspace Control and Awareness. Presentation of UA forces and capabilities 

must meet JointCommander requirements and objectives. “Organic ownership” ofUAS

capabilities is irrelevant in the context of the Joint fight and the Joint Forces Air Component 

Commander’s authority and responsibility to control Joint airspace. Homeland operations 

are also becoming increasingly important. We are working with all the Services and the 

Department of Transportation to establish Federal Aviation Administration Certifications 

for UA operations within approved civil airspace.
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5.7.3Lead the National Security 

Space Enterprise

Our Nation depends on its space capabilities as an integral part of its military strength, 

industrial capability, and economic vitality. As DoD Executive Agency for Space, the Air 

Force will continue to ensure mission continuity in critical areas of communications, 

PNT, early warning, SSA, and ISR. We will also continue efforts to strengthen National 

Space integration and collaboration across DoD, with the intelligence community, our 

interagency partners and our international partners.

Of particular note are our efforts to strengthen America’s space professionals and 

science and engineering workforce. These professionals will form the fundamental 

corps who will lead our space efforts to success in the future by integrating enterprise 

level architectures; designing, developing, acquiring, and fielding new systems; and 

operating in a dynamic and potentially contested environment. 

Additionally, the Air Force is developing capabilities to quickly respond to the urgent needs 

of Combatant Commanders. Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) is a tiered capability 

consisting of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and terrestrial infrastructure employed in concert 

to deliver a range of space capabilities to responsively meet Combatant Commander 

requirements in times of war, conflict, or crisis.

Finally, the Air Force is committed to improving its space acquisitions, focusing on flexibility 

and affordability. Success in this endeavor depends on achievable requirements, appropriate 

resources, disciplined systems engineering, and effective program management. We 

focus all of these efforts through a disciplined block delivery approach tying together 

basic Science and Technology (S&T), technology development, systems development, 

and system production efforts so concepts first evaluated in S&T will enable a systematic 

transition from development to operations.

5.7.4 

Lead Cyberspace Operational Development

Current and potential adversaries already operate in cyberspace, exploiting the 

low entry costs and minimal technological investment needed to inflict serious harm in and 

through cyberspace. State and non-state actors are already operating within cyberspace to gain 

asymmetric advantage.

In April 2007, Estonia was the victim of a barrage of cyber attacks which brought its 

technologically sophisticated government to a virtual standstill. Insurgents in Iraq, 

Afghanistan, and elsewhere exploit electronics and the electromagnetic spectrum to 

kill and maim through improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and propagate their message 

of hate to the world. Thus, the ability to inflict damage and cause strategic dislocation 

no longer requires significant capital investment, superior motivation and training, or 

technological prowess.
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We seek to deny our adversaries sanctuary in cyberspace while assuring our access to 

and freedom to operate in this domain. Our Nation’s ability to achieve effects in air, in 

space, on land, and at sea depends on control of and freedom of maneuver in the cyber 

domain.

As part of a larger effort to address this need, the Air Force stood up a Provisional Air 

Force Cyberspace Command (AFCYBER) on 18 September 2007. Our current plan is 

to activate the AFCYBER MAJCOM on 1 October 2008. The newly designated AFCYBER 

will consolidate and integrate Air Force cyber capabilities to prepare them to function 

across the spectrum of conflict. These capabilities will include, but are not limited to: 

electronic warfare; network warfare; global command and control (C2) integration, and 

ISR enhancement.

We will continue to develop and implement plans for maturing cyber operations as an Air 

Force core competency. Our objective is to provide flexible options to national decision 

makers to deter, deny, disrupt, deceive, dissuade, and defeat adversaries through 

destructive and non-destructive, lethal and non-lethal means. 

5.7.5 

Assure Sustainable Energy

We are pursuing an aggressive energy strategy and are committed to 

meeting and surpassing the energy goals mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 

(EPAct 05) and other national policies. We continue to pursue a variety of programs aimed 

at reducing our use of fossil fuels and controlling cost growth. Our vision emphasizes 

a culture in which all Airmen make energy conscious decisions. We aim to implement 

our vision with solutions that include alternate sources of domestic energy as well as 

an aggressive drive for greater efficiency in our facilities, vehicles, and aircraft.

Following Presidential direction to reduce dependence on foreign oil, the Air Force 

is aggressively pursuing a broad range of energy alternatives. As the DoD’s leading 

consumer of jet fuel, we are currently engaged in evaluating alternative fuels and 

engine technologies leading to greater fuel efficiency. We have certified the B-52 to 

fly on a synthetic fuel blend, and are on track to certify the C-17 and B-1 in 2008, the 

F-22 in 2009, and the remainder of all of our aircraft expected to be certified by early 

2011. In fact, on December 17, 2007 -- the 104th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’

first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC -- a McChord AFB, Washington-based C-17 flew the first 

transcontinental flight on synthetic fuel (a 50/50 blend). The Air Force goal is to acquire 

50% of its CONUS aviation fuel via a synthetic fuel blend utilizing domestic sources. Our 

intent is to require synthetic fuel purchases be sourced from environmentally-friendly 

suppliers with manufacturing facilities that engage in carbon dioxide capture and effective 

reuse. In addition, the Air Force is testing renewable fuel resources that will lower CO2 

emissions significantly compared to petroleum. Other Air Force technology efforts 

continue to explore high-efficiency aerodynamic concepts, advanced gas turbines, and 

variable cycle engines providing higher performance and greater fuel efficiency. 
35

The Air Force is the renewable energy leader, and we seek to expand our portfolio 

through innovative public-private partnerships and evaluations of a wide range of energy 

proposals at several bases. Last year, the Air Force received the Presidential Award for 

Leadership in Federal Energy Management. The Air Force also continued to lead the 

Federal Government in green power purchases, with 37 bases meeting some portion 

of their base-wide electrical requirements from commercial sources of wind, solar, 

geothermal, or biomass. We reached full operating capacity – 14.5 megawatts – of

the largest solar photovoltaic array in the Americas at Nellis AFB, Nevada. At Edwards 

AFB, California, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and Luke AFB, Arizona, we are exploring 

additional commercial-scale opportunities for solar power. On under-utilized land at 

Malstrom AFB, Montana, we are exploring the potential for a privately financed and 

operated coal-to-liquid plant. Finally, as a result of Congressional interest, we have 

begun considering the potential for small-scale nuclear power production on Air Force 

property. As energy leaders, the Air Force is engaging with allied and Coalition air force 

partners to share best practices, identify common issues and concerns, and ensure 

future, sustainable energy interoperability.

5.7.6 

Maintain Science and 

Technology Leadership

True to our heritage over the past century of powered flight, the Air Force continues to 

maintain the most complex, diverse, and ambitious S&T portfolio of all the Services. 

History clearly demonstrates the broad benefits to America of our S&T efforts, in terms 

of military power, industrial capability, economic growth, educational richness, cultural 

wealth, and national prestige. Examples of these efforts include aerospace technology and 

propulsion, materials science, advanced computing and communications, atmospheric 

science, remote sensing, medicine, precision timing, weather forecasting, and satellite 

navigation. What has been good for the Air Force has been great for America. We are 

committed to building upon this heritage.

The Air Force S&T program develops, demonstrates, and tests technologies and advanced 

warfighting capabilities against the spectrum of 21st Century threats. As we continue to 

adapt to a volatile and uncertain world, today’s focused investment in our S&T program 

will produce the future warfighting capabilities needed to ensure America’s continued 

technological preeminence and military flexibility. Major Air Force S&T efforts include 

hypersonics, composites, propulsion, nanotechnology, small satellite technology, directed 

energy, and cybertechnology.
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Additionally, Air Force S&T organizations work closely with the other Services, the 

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Intelligence Community, and other 

Federal agencies, such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well 

as partner nations. Through these partnerships we leverage efforts, share information, 

and advance state-of-the-art technologies.

The Air Force S&T Program provides the necessary leadership and foundation for future 

Joint warfighting capabilities, focusing on dominance of the air, space, and cyberspace 

warfighting domains. Continued Air Force S&T leadership will be critical to maintaining 

the asymmetric military advantages and broad national benefits our Joint Team and the 

Nation have come to expect and enjoy.
37

U.S. security and prosperity are best assured when all the instruments of national 

power are orchestrated to work with other states to promote a stable and prosperous 

international system. The Air Force directly contributes to U.S. security by providing a 

unique array of sovereign options for decision makers. These options maximize our 

ability to assure friends and to dissuade and deter threats, large and small, across the 

spectrum of conflict. When opponents cannot be deterred, these options magnify the 

combat capability of Joint and Coalition forces and provide a variety of alternatives for 

our political leaders to choose from in pursuit of national objectives. We provide the 

Nation with its most lethal and proven force for defeating enemies across the broad 

range of threats we face.

By exploiting the synergies of air, space, and cyberspace, the Air Force provides our 

Nation with the capability to dominate across domains and expand the options available 

for our sister Services to dominate their respective domains. Implementing our strategy 

requires fielding a force of highly trained Airmen with a commanding edge in technology 

and a force structure with sufficient capacity to provide the assurance of U.S. presence. 

So long as Airmen maintain a global presence and hold significant advantages over 

potential opponents, we will continue to provide our Nation with the means to lead the 

fight for global stability and prosperity.

Our emphasis on assurance, dissuasion, and deterrence reflects our conviction that it 

is far better to convince potential adversaries to refrain from the use of military force 

than to have to defeat them in battle. Our success will be measured by conflicts averted 

as well as conflicts fought and won. But we must never forget that our ability to assure 

and deter ultimately flows directly from our unambiguous ability to overwhelm swiftly 

and decisively any adversary who elects to test us. 

 

We are today honing America’s edge. Our Airmen have sworn an oath to serve their 

country, and they are meeting and exceeding their wartime commitments. We remain 

focused on our Air Force priorities of winning today’s fight, caring for our people, 

and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. We are assessing threats in an uncertain 

world, balancing our requirements within fiscal constraints, and managing risks as 

we endeavor to strengthen the asymmetric advantages our Nation and the Joint Team 

currently enjoy. 

 

We will have neither the buffer of time nor the barrier of oceans in future conflicts. The 

Air Force’s Regular component is smaller in February 2008 than the United States Army 

Air Forces was inDecember 1941. The character,tempo, and velocity of modern warfare

already severely test our ability to adapt. Therefore, redefining the Air Force for the 21st 

Century is an urgent national security requirement – not a luxury we can defer. 

America looks to Airmen to provide dominance that spans the air, space, and cyberspace 

warfighting domains. Our Airmen are fighting today’s fight, while standing watch across 

America’s Airmen 6.0
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the frontiers of technology and the future. They need your support today to defend the 

Nation from tomorrow’s threats. Full funding and support for America’s Airmen will 

ensure America’s continued freedom of action; increase global awareness; reassure 

America’s allies and strengthen our partnerships; reinforce our sovereign homeland 

defenses; and set conditions for Joint and Coalition success across the entire spectrum 

of human conflict and crisis.

We imperil our security, our people, and our way of life if we fail to maintain and sharpen 

America’s Edge – the Air Force-provided Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global 

Power advantages which underwrite the defense and sovereignty of our Nation.