Episodes will focus on professional development, career transition, and advice for Airmen navigating their Air Force careers during and beyond their time in uniform.
AFA is committed to advocating for the well-being of Airmen, every day. This means staying active on Capitol Hill and ensuring that the voice of our Air Force is heard. Throughout the year, the budget has been an ongoing topic of discussion for DOD leaders. Earlier this month, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on their Fiscal Year 2018 Budget. Secretary Wilson testified that her priorities lie in restoring readiness and focusing on modernization. Read more in AFA’s June Legislative Update, here. Last week, the Secretary and Chief testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. The focus was on munitions, modernization, F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, Space, pilot shortage, readiness, KC-46A tankers, UH-1N helicopters and basing. In a familiar theme, Secretary Wilson stated, “We are too small for what the nation requires us to do.”
Continuing the Air Force’s budget conversation, Keith Zuegel, AFA Senior Director of Government Relations and Peter Huessy, Director of Strategic Deterrent Studies at the Mitchell Institute, recently published an op-ed in Defense News discussing the Air Force’s latest achievements, in light of recent financial constraints. “A force used so intensively the past 26 years starting with Desert Storm needs the resources to sustain it,” wrote Zuegel and Huessy. “Unfortunately, budget caps put in place in 2010 remain, causing a serious strain on the Air Force and an annual budget shortfall of nearly $11 billion.” Read how these challenges may greatly impact the Air Force’s ability to perform, here.
In a recent op-ed published in NewsOK, AFA Member Mark Tarpley further emphasizes the contrasting demands on the Air Force to both increase readiness and lethality, while functioning on a shoe-string budget. “Since its founding 70 years ago, the Air Force has been a leading edge of deterrence,” writes Tarpley. “But it has been engaged in nonstop combat operations for the past 26 years, and today is in high demand by our allies. This demand exceeds our capability to provide the air power and support they want.” Read the full article, here.
AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
USAF Photo
Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson joined AFA on Monday, June 5th, to address the audience at the inaugural AFA Breakfast Series on Capitol Hill. Secretary Wilson discussed her priorities as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, focusing on modernization, budget constraints and new pilot retention initiatives. When it came to modernizing the Air Force’s aging aircraft fleet, Secretary Wilson, joined by Lt Gen Arnold Bunch, said the Air Force has “no plans” for buying more F-22s and that the service’s priority as of now is the F-35. Read the full recap of Secretary Wilson’s breakfast in AFA’s Air Force Magazine.
Upcoming AFA Breakfast Schedule
July 11: Gen James M. “Mike” Holmes, Commander, Air Combat Command Register Today
July 26: Gen David L. Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff Register Today
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thanks to our AFA Breakfast Series sponsors: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Orbital ATK, Pratt & Whitney, Harris Corp, SAAB and Aurora.
The Breakfast Series is an excellent opportunity for sponsors to meet, greet and listen to senior Air Force decision makers. Unique sponsorship opportunities are available for these events. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org or 703-247-5842.
Mitchell Institute Releases New Study
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is pleased to release its latest research study, Consolidating the Revolution: Optimizing the Potential of Remotely Piloted Aircraft by Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), dean of the Mitchell Institute.
This in-depth study explains how the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) revolution, fueled by wartime needs and budgets, led to suboptimal development in the years after September 11, 2001; examines key problem sets facing RPA mission categories; and prescribes a set of actions that will result in a more coherent path forward for optimizing these RPA for joint force operations.
The study recommends that Congress and the Department of Defense consider actions to place the RPA enterprise on a path toward realizing coordinated, expanded, and enhanced effects across the range of military operations. Deptula’s recommendations include, prioritizing technologies that are able to reduce manpower requirements, boost efficiency, and seize new opportunities. He also explores how the acquisition process should be streamlined to facilitate buying modern RPA technology in an agile, responsive fashion, and how DOD should optimize the RPA organizational construct to net greater capability by aligning the use of systems in a more efficient and effective fashion.
The Mitchell Institute’s research studies serve as an avenue for in-depth, insightful, and effective ideas and solutions to strengthen and enhance aerospace power's role in securing America's interests. For more information on this research study, and others, contact Mitchell’s Director of Publications Marc V. Schanz at mschanz@afa.org or visit our website, at www.mitchellaerospacepower.org.
Air, Space & Cyber 2017
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
Join AFA for the 2017 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. It is the nation's premier event for defense and aerospace professionals from across the globe. AFA brings together Air Force senior leaders including the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Major Command Commanders, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and many more. Register today!
In addition, the technology exposition, will provide more than 100,000 square feet of space to showcase the latest developments in air, space, and cyber capabilities vital to the Air Force mission.
Important Information:
All U.S. uniformed military and DOD civilian personnel may attend the conference free of charge.
Reserve your room now in order to receive our discounted room rates. The cutoff date is Friday, August 25, 2017 or until the group blocks sell out, whichever comes first.
Free Shuttles will be available for conference attendees from the Pentagon, JB Andrews, JB Anacostia-Bolling, and the King Street Metro station.
PLEASE NOTE: To honor the 70th Birthday of the Air Force, AFA has switched the night that the Air Force Anniversary dinner, renamed this year to the Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner, will take place. The Air Force 70th Birthday Dinner will now take place on Monday, September 18th so that it falls on the Air Force's birthday. The Outstanding Airmen of the Year Dinner will now take place on Wednesday, September 20th.
Visit our website to learn more and register for the professional development conference for Airmen.
We Are Airmen for Life
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
At AFA, we believe that we never stop bleeding blue. Whether you are about to begin your journey in our Air Force – both in and out of uniform – or if you are about to transition from your time in service, take AFA with you. We are your partner and your support system along your journey as an Airman for Life.
Send us your Airman for Life videos to McKinnon Pearse at mpearse@afa.org for a chance to be featured on our social media, website, and our monthly newsletter!
Meet the Silver Wings National President
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
Tate Hall, Silver Wings National President. Silver Wings is a national 501(c)4 service organization with chapters on college campuses nationwide. All Silver Wings students are members of AFA.
Hello AFA Members! My name is Tate Hall and I am so excited to serve as the 2017-2018 Silver Wings National President! I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the Air Force Academy to my father, a then-Captain who was a Navigator on B-52s, and his wife.
My dad retired a year later as a Major in his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama, where we lived for nearly 10 years, until the civil service called my dad and our family back to Colorado Springs. After graduating from High School, I drove 1,425 miles to attend my dream college – Auburn University.
I knew I wanted to give back to the Air Force in some way, and Silver Wings was a perfect match. I loved getting involved with our Air Force ROTC detachment and working with the cadets and cadre and serving as a chapter officer my last year of undergrad. I graduated with a B.S. in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies in May of 2016, and I knew I wasn’t done with Silver Wings or Auburn quite yet. I continued at Auburn with my first year of graduate school pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and continued as an active Silver Wings member at Auburn.
I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to bid for the next National Staff and we were voted in at the recent National Conclave in Orlando, Florida in April. We’ve been working tirelessly ever since.
We have a lot of big goals as a staff this year and we hope to focus on growing and sustaining our Silver Wings chapters and membership nationwide. A huge part of this goal cannot be accomplished without the help of AFA members. We want to encourage AFA members to get involved in their local Silver Wings chapters through the university’s AFROTC detachment and to see AFA as the alumni organization for graduated Silver Wings members. We hope that you’ll want to learn more about Silver Wings and begin getting involved as an advisor, volunteer, or a trusted voice of reason and mentor. Strong AFA and Silver Wings relations within chapters can help sustain both organizations. Learn more about Silver Wingshere.
I would love for you to reach out to the Silver Wings chapter or Arnold Air Society squadron at the college nearest you to get involved, or even help start a new Silver Wings Chapter if there isn’t one already. I’m incredibly excited to work closely with AFA throughout the next year, please don’t hesitate to contact me at president@silver-wings.org.
Thank you, AFA, for everything you have done for Silver Wings and Arnold Air Society. I look forward to getting to know you soon!
War Eagle!
Tate Hall
Silver Wings National President
#70for70 Campaign
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
On Monday, September 18th, we will celebrate 70 years of the achievement, advancement and dominance of our US Air Force. In honor of this incredible milestone, AFA has been highlighting distinguished Airmen and Airpower advocates – both in and out of uniform – who have made significant contributions to our Air Force in our #70for70 campaign on social media.
In June, AFA honored the 1993 AFA Member of the Year and current Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Interoperability Col James Clark, USAF, (Ret.), who invented the world’s first deployable commercial imagery downlink system, Eagle Vision. Col Philip Mellinger, USAF (Ret.), former Dean of the School of Advanced Airpower Studies (SAAS), was highlighted for his incredible historical knowledge and education initiatives to better our Air Force.
AFA also recognized airpower giants, Gen Henry “Hap” Arnold and Lt Gen Archie Old. Gen Arnold was the first and only Airman to receive the permanent five-star rank of General of the Air Force, and is the namesake for AFA’s Arnold Air Society, an honor and service organization for members of Air Force ROTC. Lt Gen Old achieved the first around-the-world flight of three Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bombers in January 1957.
AFA knows the important role that families have in supporting the mission of our Air Force and the tremendous sacrifices they make as well. That is why we started the Donley Spouse Scholarship Program. AFA recognized Denise Bernard, a 2016 scholarship recipient and Active Duty spouse, who is now able to pursue her dreams of receiving her certification in veterinary medicine.
As a child, Col Merryl Tengesdal imagined flying among the stars. Today, she is one of eight female pilots and the only African-American female pilot to ever fly the U-2 Dragon Lady during the aircraft’s history and was honored for her innovative spirit.
Recipient MSgt Justin Jordan lives with the effects of PTSD, after having served with the Air Force for several years, but is grateful to have been the first active duty Airman to be allowed to serve with a PTSD Service Dog.
This month, AFA also recognized Ashley Kinsey, the 2017 recipient of the AFA Diane O’Malley Silver Wings Outstanding Service Award, presented by AFA Chairman of the Board Whit Peters at the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings National Conclave in Orlando, FL in April.
Follow AFA on social media @AirForceAssoc to view our upcoming #70for70 honorees. View all individuals featured so far, here.
Celebrate the Air Force’s 70th in style with our commemorative 70th Birthday t-shirts, buy yours here!
Get to Know Your AFA Membership
Jun 23, 2017
Show notes
Show Your AFA and Air Force Pride
Purchase your very own AFA memorabilia online. Items for sale include Air Force 70th Birthday coins and t-shirts as well as signed art prints and Airman for Life collectibles. Be a part of AFA and showcase your pride by purchasing online today. View AFA’s Collection here.
Member Benefits Spotlight: Office Depot
Did you know AFA members have access to exclusive discounts at Office Depot and OfficeMax? Members can enjoy savings on every day office and school supplies, technology, furniture, and much more. Visit here to shop online or print your free Store Purchasing Card to take advantage of these great savings today!
· Up to 80% off preferred products
· 93,000 products discounted below retail price
· Shop online or in local Office Depot or OfficeMax stores
· FREE next-day delivery on orders over $50
Note from the President
May 31, 2017
Show notes
This month we welcomed Dr. Heather Wilson as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force. Secretary Wilson is an inspirational leader with a deep knowledge of the Air Force and national security matters and has long been a supporter of our armed services. We are very happy to host Secretary Wilson at an AFA breakfast on June 5th at the Capitol Hill Club. Read Air Force Magazine’s article on her confirmation, here.
On May 20th, National Armed Forces Day, we held our first annual Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge at CycleBar in Arlington, Va., and it was a huge success. Early on, we set a goal to raise $50,000 to support our Wounded Airman Program, and thanks to our incredibly motivated staff, dedicated AFA chapters, and generous sponsors, we were able to not only reach that goal, but surpass it, raising over $54,000.
HUGE kudos to a group of dedicated Airmen deployed to the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron in Niger. Despite the harsh conditions and crushing work schedule, these Airmen took it upon themselves to promote AFA’s Wounded Airmen Cycling Challenge. These brave Airmen literally started from scratch by building bikes and helmets, many of which were destroyed due to the harsh riding conditions. Perhaps MSgt Dustin Lawrence summed up the effort best when he said, “I have always been an active member of AFA and the WAP, and I felt this was a great opportunity for our Airmen at Nigerian AB-201 to constructively pass time and support a great agenda, to do something that had an outside effect and made a positive impact.” So far, these deployed Airmen have raised $2,500 towards their goal of $5,000. What a great effort from our dedicated AFA members.
Our Air Force faced a turbulent few months after struggling with the possibility of a Continuing Resolution (CR). Congressional appropriators finally reached an agreement to fund the government until October 1, 2017, through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017. The Omnibus Appropriations bill combined all 12 of the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bills, including defense appropriations. Read more about the CR and Consolidated Appropriations Act in AFA’s Legislative Update, here.
On May 23rd, the Trump administration released its Fiscal Year 2018 President’s Budget. I discussed the budget with the acting DoD comptroller and the Air Force comptroller. The budget prioritized 1) improving warfighting readiness; 2) achieving program balance and addressing shortfalls; and 3) building capacity and a more lethal joint force. The request increases Air Force end strength; strengthens readiness recovery; procures 46 F-35 strike fighters and 15 KC-46 tankers; increases munitions; and ramps up funding for the B-21 bomber. Bottom line: Great start, but there is more work to be done.
Finally, I want to recognize the life and service of Mr. Frank William Nash, who passed away at the age of 92. Mr. Nash served in the Air Corps as a pilot during WWII. He joined AFA in June of 1946 and his membership card was personally signed by General Jimmy Doolittle. Mrs. Nash recently called our office to let us know how proud Mr. Nash was of that membership card and how proud he was to be a member of our Association. Our condolences go out to the Nash family and we thank them, as well as Mr. Nash, for his long and honorable service. Rest in peace, Mr. Nash!
Sincerely,
Larry O. Spencer
AFA President
AFA on the Issues
May 31, 2017
Show notes
Government Matters Interview
AFA President, General Larry O. Spencer, appeared on Government Matters TV on May 11th to discuss the top priorities for the newly confirmed Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Heather Wilson. On the top of this list is the Air Force’s need for an increase in personnel. The Air Force has set a goal to increase its manpower from 317,000 to 350,000 and Secretary Wilson, along with the Chief of Staff, will be responsible for monitoring and managing that growth. “People are the DoD and Air Force’s greatest asset,” said Gen Spencer. The Air Force also continues to face the issue of its aging fleet of legacy aircraft. “The Secretary is walking into the Air Force at a critical time because the threat is growing, the systems are older, and she has to merge that together to make it work,” commented Gen Spencer. Watch Gen Spencer’s full interview here.
Long Range Strike Caucus Social
The congressional Long Range Strike Caucus (LRSC) held an event on Capitol Hill last week that included several congressional members and staffers. AFA supported the event, and Maj Gen Michael Fortney, Vice Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, hosted. The B-2 bomber crew that recently bombed Libya, briefed the participants on the successful and complex mission that lasted over 33 hours. LRSC Chairwoman, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, and Co-Chair, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler discussed the Air Force’s long range strike capabilities, in particular, the B-2 program and its impact on the Air Force’s warfighting efforts.
Fiscal Year 2018 Budget
President Trump released his Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 President’s Budget (PB) on May 23rd. The 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA) set a discretionary spending limit at $1.065 trillion, $5 billion less than FY 2017. The president’s defense topline will be difficult to achieve as his defense spending level, of $603 billion is $54 billion above the BCA spending caps through FY 2021.
At this time last year, five of the House’s 12 spending bills had been voted out of committee. Since there are only ten legislative weeks remaining before the FY 2018 bill goes into effect, there is relatively little time to debate the defense budget and programs and other issues. In the meantime, the Legislative and Executive Branches will be debating healthcare, tax reform, infrastructure spending, and raising the debt limit. AFA continues to advocate for stable and predictable (Regular Order) spending bills, at sufficient levels, necessary for the Total Force to grow, modernize their bases, and recapitalize aging weapon systems.
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