The Air Force is making several changes to optimize itself for Great Power Competition, including bringing back warrant officers within the cyber and information technology professions. These changes are specifically designed to prepare the service for strategic power challenges from competitors like China and Russia. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the need for modernization and announced 24 key decisions to improve readiness, power projection, and capability development within the Air Force and Space Force. The focus is on attracting and developing cutting-edge talent in information technology and cyber fields, expanding technical tracks for officers and enlisted personnel, and reintroducing the rank of warrant officer to maintain technical leadership in these areas.
Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin explained that the service plans to conduct large-scale exercises and mission-focused training to demonstrate and rehearse for complex, large-scale military operations. The Air Force is looking to institutionalize these exercises and enhance readiness by implementing standards that reflect operations under contested conditions. Within the Space Force, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman highlighted the need to rewrite readiness standards to align with a contested domain rather than a benign environment. This includes having the right mix of personnel in Space Force units and advanced training aimed at operational success against adversaries.
At the Department of the Air Force level, changes include the creation of an Air Force Integrated Capabilities Office to lead capability development and resource prioritization. This office will drive modernization investments and enable the prioritization of investments across services to create end-to-end effects. Overall, these changes are aimed at ensuring the Air Force and Space Force are prepared to stay competitive over time and continuously generate enduring competitiveness in the face of evolving strategic challenges.
