The alternate futures described in this monograph also have tremendous utility beyond the 2025 study. During the course of their development, several organizations requested and received briefings on the alternate futures process and a description of the 2025 alternate futures. These organizations are now using the alternate futures process and the alternate futures themselves to aid in their long-range planning efforts. Other organizations could similarly capitalize on the thousands of hours that went into producing these six visions of the future. This work should be harvested for years to come.
Alternate futures provide an excellent framework for conducting systems analyses.
Any set of systems, concepts, or technologies being considered by the US for security purposes can be evaluated for utility relative to the six alternate futures presented in this monograph. These six alternate futures fully cover the US security strategic planning space and should prevent rude surprises. Another application of these futures is to provide context for evaluation of world events. Although each of the futures discussed above is equally plausible, each of them has distinctive milestones or events. Recommendations The Air Force should carefully consider the challenges presented in the six alternate futures and use the alternate futures process and products to aid its long-range planning efforts.