Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall participated in a “Fireside Chat” with retired Lt. Gen. Bruce “Orville” Wright, AFA president and CEO, during the AFA Warfare Symposium. The discussion focused on the changes brought about by the reoptimization announcement, resourcing issues, and streamlining change. Kendall emphasized the need for readiness and preparedness in the face of Great Power Competition. He mentioned that changes will be made to how units are set up, garrisons will be reevaluated, and there will be opportunities for career paths like tech tracks and warrant officers. Kendall also discussed the risk of restructuring impacting readiness in the near term, stating that maintaining readiness will be a priority during the transition. He further explained the differences between the Space Futures Command and the Army Futures Command, highlighting the need for integrated perspectives and teamwork. Kendall also discussed the reintroduction of warrant officers, particularly in cyber and IT fields, to provide technical proficiency and continuity. He addressed the challenges posed by bureaucracy and the importance of effective communication and teamwork to break through barriers. Kendall expressed his appreciation for the high quality of the force and the innovation he observed across different mission areas. He emphasized the importance of industry collaboration and the merging of air and space capabilities in the face of competition.
Enhancing Air Force Capabilities for Great Power Competition
