The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation Podcast

Larry Fenner, Commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, leads a discussion on the vital role of electromagnetic spectrum operations in modern military strategies. Alongside Chris Moeller from BAE Systems, Nick Bucci of General Atomics, and Paul DeLia from L3Harris, they delve into how the Ukraine conflict informs current practices and the need for rapid adaptability in response to new threats. The conversation also covers the evolution of directed energy weapons, challenges in electronic warfare training, and strategies to counter emerging threats from Russia and China.

Join Lt Gen Michael Koscheski, Deputy Commander of the Air Combat Command, Maj Gen Jason Armagost, Commander of the 8th Air Force, Doug Young from Northrop Grumman, and Billy Ray Thompson of RTX as they delve into the future of air power. They discuss the shift from traditional air dominance to modern strategies, the evolution of the B21 program, and the importance of unmanned systems. The conversation also highlights advancements in targeting complexities and the necessity for adaptive munitions in an era of great power competition.

General David W. Allvin, the 23rd Chief of Staff of the Air Force, shares insights on the evolution of the Air Force in tackling global threats. He discusses the shift towards unified training to enhance readiness for high-stakes conflicts, emphasizing strategic foresight and adaptability. Agility and speed in military operations are highlighted as key factors for maintaining a competitive edge. Allvin advocates for integrated capabilities to tackle emerging challenges, ensuring the Air Force remains prepared for future airpower needs.

Mark Gunzinger, a retired Air Force Colonel and aerospace strategy expert, discusses the urgent crises facing the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. With budget constraints leading to the oldest aircraft inventory ever, Gunzinger emphasizes the need for at least $45 billion annually to modernize capabilities. He outlines the risks of declining nuclear readiness and personnel shortages, advocating for strategic investments and transparency in defense spending. The conversation focuses on adapting to rising global threats, particularly from China, and promoting efficient resource allocation for national security.

The Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) convened its inaugural space workshop in October 2024. The workshop assembled 55 subject matter experts from across the national security space landscape to examine the Chief of Space Operations’ theory of Competitive Endurance against a set of potential challenges over the next 25 years of competition. The Space Endurance Workshop provided participants with a venue to define the actions, conditions, and effects necessary for the United States, our allies, and partners to preserve U.S. and Coalition leadership in space.   The Space Force must proactively lead cooperative efforts with Allies and international and commercial Partners to fully integrate and synchronize capability development and operations in a deliberate manner to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources for all Over a protracted competition with China, the ability of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Allies, and Partners to have a spacepower advantage hinges on maintaining popular support and national will To gain support and sustain national will, the Space Force must actively and continually articulate why it exists and what it does to Congress, the American people, and even to Guardians Given existing policy, budget, and personnel realities, the Space Force’s Theory of Competitive Endurance provides a stable way forward but may create unintended consequences that undermine a warfighting mentality and Guardian identity Systemic issues exist within the Space Force and Department of Defense threatening the success of the Space Force in a long-term competition with China, e.g., proper authorities and resources, a lack of clearly defined and understood roles & missions, and a warfighting ethos Workshop findings reinforced that existing Space Force lines of effort, such as improved domain awareness, architecture resilience, and security classification reform, are critical and must be expanded to overcome a range of challenges that the United States might face throughout an extended competition For the Space Force to succeed as a military service, defensive and offensive counterspace operations must be normalized with warfighting operations to gain superiority like those in all other domains performed by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps

Bottom line, the U.S. Air Force does not have enough pilots to sustain a credible combat force in peacetime, much less during a prolonged high-intensity conflict. History demonstrates that without depth of experienced aircrew, air forces collapse in major conflicts because they cannot continue operations as losses mount. While this crisis extends across the entire pilot force, the shortfall in fighter pilots is especially dire. Solving these challenges will require the Air Force to grow the size of both its aircraft inventory and pilot force, while simultaneously increasing the experience levels of its combat pilots across its Total Force.

T. Michael Mosley, the 18th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Richard Andres, a Professor at the National War College, and Larry Stutzrehm, Director of Research at the Mitchell Institute, delve into urgent national security reforms. They discuss the outdated Goldwater-Nichols Act and its impact on military readiness. The conversation highlights the growing threats from China and Russia, emphasizes the need for a new strategic framework akin to NSC-68, and urges for a revamped funding strategy to modernize the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

Frank Kendall, the Secretary of the Air Force, discusses his pivotal role in shaping the modernization of both the Air Force and Space Force. He dives into pressing challenges like great power competition and the importance of rapid technological advancement. Kendall highlights the significance of collaborative combat aircraft and the integration of space capabilities into military operations. He warns about budget constraints and the need for timely funding to ensure national security. Innovation, particularly in AI, emerges as a crucial factor in adapting to contemporary threats.

There’s no question about it: the Indo-Pacific is one of the most impactful theaters around the globe today. Threats posed by adversaries like China and North Korea, challenges and opportunities involved with allies and partners, plus unique factors involved with projecting airpower across a region so large combine to make this area of responsibility incredibly unique. Listen to learn more about airpower and the Indo-Pacific as we chat with Gen Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces; and Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Global Strike Command uniquely embodies the notion of combat power anytime, anywhere. In command of two legs of the nuclear triad, as well as conventional long-range strike capabilities, Global Strike Command provides decisive combat effects that are foundational to the U.S. for deterrence strategy.