Category: Defence Intelligence

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From sunrise past sunset: a day with CMSAF Bass

Source: United States Air Force

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) —  

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and consequently, works a demanding schedule providing direction for the enlisted force and representing their interests. One of the many ways Bass fulfills this duty to Airmen is by traveling across the globe visiting Air Force installations, delivering guidance and sparking dialogue in the enlisted force. 

Bass visited the world’s premier fighter wing at Luke Air Force Base, Dec. 1. The 56th Fighter Wing is dedicated to training the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat ready Airmen. 

Bass and her support team, Team 19, began the workday with her customary morning workout at 5:00 a.m. 

After PT, Bass had breakfast at the Hensmann Dining Facility, where she spoke with Luke AFB Airmen about multiple subjects including China as the United States’ biggest pacing challenge.  

“Our most sophisticated and pacing challenge is China,” Bass said. “We need to make sure our Air Force is equipped with the right talent certainly today, but also 5 and 10 years down the line.

During the tour, Bass toured premier fighter squadrons and base facilities including the 56th Communications Squadron, 308th Fighter Squadron and the Luke AFB Chapel Team.  

At the 308th FS, Bass engaged with international partners, discussing collaboration improvements for allied nations at Luke AFB and participating in a group photo.  

Throughout the day, Bass met with noncommissioned officers, base leadership and international partners, while also recognizing multiple Airmen around the 56th FW for their outstanding accomplishments. 

Under a sunny Arizona sky, Bass visited the 308th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, where she was briefed on bundled maintenance and the theory of constraints.  

After hosting a discussion with the 308th AMU Airmen, Bass and her team met the Luke AFB Chapel Team. The chapel hosted 126 resiliency events in 2022 for Airmen, and briefed Bass and her team how it was made possible through community partnerships.   

Bass continued engaging with the enlisted force by holding a lunch with NCOs from Luke AFB. During this meal, the group discussed innovation, readiness and change.  

“We have to be willing to accelerate and innovate moving forward,” Bass said. “Change can be tough, but losing is unacceptable.” 

After lunch, Bass arrived at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Pro Range for a demonstration of EOD and Android Team Awareness Kit capabilities. 

Finally, Bass held an all-call, where instead of talking to Airmen, Bass preferred to talk with Airmen, creating an open dialogue where Airmen could not only gain insight from the CMSAF, but also so the interests and concerns of the enlisted force could be heard and addressed. 

The discussion occurred beneath a towering American flag backdrop in Hanger 999 touching on a range of topics, including mental health, education benefits and leadership qualities. 

“What advice do you have for growing female leaders in the Air Force?” asked Airman 1st Class Kennetta Acquaah, 56th Comptroller Squadron budget technician. 

In response to the question asked by Acquaah, Bass said that her advice for future leaders in the Air Force was the same for both men and women. 

“If you want to be a successful leader in the Air Force,” Bass said, “do your job and do it well.” 

Never missing an opportunity to engage with Airmen, Bass concluded the all-call with a photo-op with any and every Airman that wanted a photo with the voice of the Air Force’s enlisted corps. 

While many headed home for the conclusion of their duty day, it continued for the CMSAF. Bass went on to visit the Fighter Country Foundation building to attend a dinner with her fellow Chiefs on base, before finally retiring for the day well after dark. 

The following morning, Bass and Team 19 would rise at the crack of dawn to fly back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. In addition to base visits, Bass serves as the personal adviser to the chief of staff and the secretary of the Air Force, attends ceremonial events and advocates for Airmen in policy discussions. 

Whether it is traveling across the globe or working at her home base, the chief master sergeant of the Air Force leads by example. Bass serves her Air Force with a resilient passion for improving the lives of Airmen and a diligence for innovation, working before the sun comes up and after it comes down. 

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McConnell AFB Airmen show base initiatives to CMSAF

Source: United States Air Force

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) —  

Airmen from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings demonstrated how they foster more resilient members while staying at the forefront of the Air Force’s refueling enterprise during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass’ visit November 28-29, 2023.

Team McConnell has achieved many accomplishments over the past few years. The implementation of several new programs allowed the team to continue contributing to the McConnell and Air Force missions. Different agencies from around the base discussed some of these programs and how they help members connect with others within their career field and across the base.

“I have a really strong foundation on [suicide] prevention, but as I’ve been here, I’ve noticed that relationships are just the cusp of starting that,” said Annie Carroll, 22nd and 722nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron True North clinical social worker.

True North was one of many programs McConnell recently implemented to help members that Bass heard about during her visit. The installation has also teamed up with Derby School District to open the first All Pro Dads chapter affiliated with a military base, allowing dads to spend more time with their kids and provide them and others with positive role models.

During September, the Integrated Resiliency team hosted a connection challenge designed to create more connections around base. The Chapel team talked about their peer-to-peer classes that encourage Airmen to connect more with their peers. McConnell has also begun implementing the True North program, which integrates clinical social workers into individual squadrons to provide more accessibility to mental health resources.

Bass also learned of the 22nd Medical Group Human Performance Flight’s accomplishments in creating the Air Force’s first cohort program. The 10-week cohort program is designed to help Airmen implement healthier lifestyle choices with physical fitness, nutrition classes and mental health practices.

“Mindfulness is something that people have to do over time and perfect,” said Christine Murray, 22nd Force Support Squadron integrated resilience team member.

Bass also visited the maintenance complex to hear from the teams that keep the KC-46 operational and some of the challenges of working with a new aircraft, including sourcing parts and materials. During her tour of the aircraft, Airmen from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron discussed the timeline that got the aircraft where it is today. McConnell received the Air Force’s first two KC-46s in 2019 and highlighted to Bass the major milestones accomplished by Team McConnell, such as the first operational long-endurance flight, the first use of night vision goggles and exercise LETHAL PRIDE.

In 2022, McConnell also demonstrated its capability of operating the new airframe from austere environments with a series of Employment Concept Exercises that integrated aircrews, as well as maintenance and information warfare Airmen to achieve whole-domain effects. Bass heard from some of these Airmen, including the intel and cyber teams that support the KC-46 and its systems as it faces potential future conflicts.

“When I came into the Air Force over 30 years ago, you really had to be strong in three warfighting domains: air, land and sea,” Bass said. “You had to have a strong army, you had to have a strong air force and you had to have a strong navy. Fast forward to today – not only do we have to be good in air, land and sea, but we better figure out really quickly how to be good in air, land, sea, space, cyber and information. Our adversaries and pacing challenges are modernizing fast. We need empowered Airmen at all levels to understand the threat and work together to build the Force of the Future our nation needs.”

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McConnell Airmen show base initiatives to CMSAF

Source: United States Air Force

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) —  

Airmen from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings demonstrated how they foster more resilient members while staying at the forefront of the Air Force’s refueling enterprise during Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass’ visit November 28-29, 2023.

Team McConnell has achieved many accomplishments over the past few years. The implementation of several new programs allowed the team to continue contributing to the McConnell and Air Force missions. Different agencies from around the base discussed some of these programs and how they help members connect with others within their career field and across the base.

“I have a really strong foundation on [suicide] prevention, but as I’ve been here, I’ve noticed that relationships are just the cusp of starting that,” said Annie Carroll, 22nd and 722nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron True North clinical social worker.

True North was one of many programs McConnell recently implemented to help members that Bass heard about during her visit. The installation has also teamed up with Derby School District to open the first All Pro Dads chapter affiliated with a military base, allowing dads to spend more time with their kids and provide them and others with positive role models.

During September, the Integrated Resiliency team hosted a connection challenge designed to create more connections around base. The Chapel team talked about their peer-to-peer classes that encourage Airmen to connect more with their peers. McConnell has also begun implementing the True North program, which integrates clinical social workers into individual squadrons to provide more accessibility to mental health resources.

Bass also learned of the 22nd Medical Group Human Performance Flight’s accomplishments in creating the Air Force’s first cohort program. The 10-week cohort program is designed to help Airmen implement healthier lifestyle choices with physical fitness, nutrition classes and mental health practices.

“Mindfulness is something that people have to do over time and perfect,” said Christine Murray, 22nd Force Support Squadron integrated resilience team member.

Bass also visited the maintenance complex to hear from the teams that keep the KC-46 operational and some of the challenges of working with a new aircraft, including sourcing parts and materials. During her tour of the aircraft, Airmen from the 344th Air Refueling Squadron discussed the timeline that got the aircraft where it is today. McConnell received the Air Force’s first two KC-46s in 2019 and highlighted to Bass the major milestones accomplished by Team McConnell, such as the first operational long-endurance flight, the first use of night vision goggles and exercise LETHAL PRIDE.

In 2022, McConnell also demonstrated its capability of operating the new airframe from austere environments with a series of Employment Concept Exercises that integrated aircrews, as well as maintenance and information warfare Airmen to achieve whole-domain effects. Bass heard from some of these Airmen, including the intel and cyber teams that support the KC-46 and its systems as it faces potential future conflicts.

“When I came into the Air Force over 30 years ago, you really had to be strong in three warfighting domains: air, land and sea,” Bass said. “You had to have a strong army, you had to have a strong air force and you had to have a strong navy. Fast forward to today – not only do we have to be good in air, land and sea, but we better figure out really quickly how to be good in air, land, sea, space, cyber and information. Our adversaries and pacing challenges are modernizing fast. We need empowered Airmen at all levels to understand the threat and work together to build the Force of the Future our nation needs.”

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USAFE-AFAFRICA hosts multinational medical knowledge exchange

Source: United States Air Force

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) —  

The United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Office of the Command Surgeon hosted a medical knowledge exchange with NATO allies Denmark and Bulgaria as well as U.S. partner nation Serbia, at Ramstein Air Base Germany, Nov. 28-Dec. 1, 2023.

The exchange granted the participants a chance to trade information and experience with one another to further integrate with their unique missions and form best practices.

“This workshop is more than just a meeting of minds,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Lyubormir Angelov, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon international health specialist. “It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment to advancing military medicine and solidifying an alliance that transcends borders. We are proud to have NATO and partners here to make us stronger together.”

The medics from the four nations participated in multiple scenarios to discuss how each nation achieves their intended results and ways to combine them into the best practice. They visited locations such as the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Theater Patient Movement Requirement Center, 86th Medical Group Simulation Center and 86th MDG Flight Medicine Clinic. 

“The aim of this assembly is significant, offering an unmatched opportunity for partnership nation members to collaborate with U.S. subject matter experts,” Angelov said. “Collectively, we explored the intricacies of aerospace medicine, aeromedical evacuation, patient movement, and enhanced our simulation centers, creating a fertile ground for events like these.”

Participants also toured aeromedical facilities around the base and Kaiserslautern Military Community, including the Landstuhl Medical Simulation Center, Ramstein En-Route Patient Staging Flight, and 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

“The event is designed to showcase the latest aeromedical evacuation procedures and equipment on a U.S. airbase to our partner nations,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicola Morrison, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon Europe Global Health Engagement Team Chief.

This opportunity helped strengthen bonds and foster interoperability as well as helped members network with one another.

“This is a great chance for key medical personnel in Serbia, Bulgaria and Denmark to make lasting connections with each other and with U.S. personnel to develop a sustainable relationship that serves as a starting point to share best methods for many years to come,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joel Foster, USAFE-AFAFRICA Office of the Command Surgeon global health engagements branch chief. “In this way, each country benefits from advancements in technology, processes and procedures for patient care and movement across the battlespace.”

Each of the participants from the four nations walked away from the knowledge exchange with something different. For Angelov, it was about the medics coming together to learn from each other and strengthen ties and partnerships.

“This is important for us to compare and contrast how we do business in our aerospace medical program,” said Bulgarian air force 2nd Lt Boryana Ralcheva, medical simulation training center instructor. “We want to see what works here and see if we can apply it to our program. We do not want to invent something new if it is already in service. This is a great opportunity for us and I look forward to the next knowledge exchange.”

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DAF leaders emphasize adapting AI for warfighting success

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall made it clear that the Air Force and Space Force are fully committed — and pushing hard — to develop and deploy artificial intelligence as a key element in meeting security challenges posed by China and other adversaries Dec. 2.

Kendall’s remarks were not new, but by voicing them during a session at the influential Reagan National Defense Forum, he added additional weight to the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to use AI as part of a larger push to modernize.

“I care a lot about civil society and the law of armed conflict,” Kendall said. “Our policies are written around those laws. You don’t enforce laws against machines, you enforce them against people. Our challenge is not to limit what we can do with AI but to find how to hold people accountable for what the AI does. The way we should approach is to figure out how to apply the laws of armed conflict to the applications of AI. Who do we hold responsible for the performance of that AI and what do we require institutions to do before we field these kinds of capabilities and use them operationally.”

Kendall pointed out that China and other adversaries are aggressively using AI, and while the U.S. maintains an edge, it is shrinking. Kendall’s comments dovetailed with those from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin, who said at a separate session during the conference that the Air Force must modernize to properly meet the security threats of today.

Part of that effort, Allvin said, is diligently working to integrate AI and machine learning into new capabilities that mesh seamlessly with mission needs and proven technologies, while understanding performance tradeoffs.

“I do believe the future is going to be about human-machine teaming,” Allvin said. “Optimizing the performance and being able to operate at speed. That investment in our collaborative combat aircraft program is what is going to get us there.”

Speed and automation of AI systems have vastly shortened decision timelines. That’s why the DoD’s National Defense Strategy focuses on accelerating decision making and the way information is analyzed and shared.

“We are leveraging algorithms and starting with data fusion and being able to gain insights,” Allvin said. “The changing character of war is speed. If we are going to be privileging speed and have massive amounts of data, the ability to have algorithms and the tools that support and let the analysts do what only humans can do which is make that human decision.”

“Our job on the government side more than anything else is to thoroughly understand this technology, have the expertise we need to really get into the details of it and appreciate how it really works,” Kendall said. “To be creative about helping industry find new applications for that technology and developing ways to evaluate it get the confidence we’re going to need to ensure that it can be used ethically and reliably when it is in the hands of our warfighters.”

Replacing obsolete, legacy systems by harnessing emerging information, communications, and AI technologies to provide operational targeting and decision support with the speed, adaptability and resilience needed to fight in a highly contested environment is a priority for DAF and falls under Kendall’s Operation Imperatives.

“The critical parameter on the battlefield is time,” Kendall said. “The AI will be able to do much more complicated things much more accurately and much faster than human beings can. If the human is in the loop, you will lose. You can have human supervision and watch over what the AI is doing, but if you try to intervene you are going to lose. The difference in how long it takes a person to do something and how long it takes the AI to do something is the key difference.”

Rapid AI development requires DAF to be agile and adaptable in its approach, focusing on rapid testing, experimentation and deployment. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a robust regulatory and ethical framework to ensure the responsible use of AI in defense.

Both men stressed the importance of innovation. Allvin said that innovation is a critical element of modernization and is necessary for maintaining readiness.

“War is a human thing and the ability to leverage technology with human innovation is something we can never walk away from as we’re continuing to develop and more sophisticated systems,” Allvin said.

The Reagan National Defense Forum, celebrating “10 Years of Promoting Peace Through Strength,” brings together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including members of Congress, current and former presidential administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators and thought leaders. Their mission is to review and assess policies that strengthen America’s national defense in the context of the global threat environment.

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Around the Air Force: Rated Preparatory Program, Reserve Cyber Commissions, Commercial Air Refueling

Source: United States Air Force

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS)  —  

In this week’s look around the Air Force, the application window for Airmen to become rated officers is now open, the Air Reserve component launches a direct commissioning program for cyber career fields, and commercial aircraft refuel Air Force fighters for the first time. (Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Young)

Watch on DVIDS | Watch on YouTube
For previous episodes, click here for the Air Force TV page.

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Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Meeting with Chief of Defence of Denmark Gen. Flemming Lentfer

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

November 30, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C., — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., met with Chief of Defence of Denmark Gen. Flemming Lentfer today at the Pentagon. This was their first meeting since Gen. Brown became Chairman.

The two military leaders discussed strategic security cooperation, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the security environment in Europe.

Denmark is a founding member of NATO and a key ally with the U.S. around the globe.

For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
LinkedIn and Flickr.

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Air Force announces FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Programs

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Air Force recently announced the opening of two Regular Air Force FY24 Aviation Bonus programs – the FY24 Experienced Aviator Retention Incentive, formerly known as the Aviation Bonus, and the FY24 Demonstration Bonus. 

Eligible active-duty aviators have until Aug. 1, 2024, to apply for EARI and the FY24 Demonstration Bonus; however, the program eligibility window will close early if the budgetary maximum number of contracts are met before Aug. 1. 

Additionally, eligible Guard and Reserve aviators continue to have until Dec. 31, 2023, to apply for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve’s current 2023 Aviation Bonus programs. 

EARI builds upon the previous years’ offers to deliberately shape and retain experienced rated officers to meet Air Force retention, training, and mission readiness requirements to maintain the lethality of the force. Information will be announced separately in the future regarding the Reserve Component offering the FY24 EARI. 

“In today’s strategic environment, the requirement to preserve critical skills in our Air Force has never been more important,” said Maj. Gen. Adrian Spain, Director of Training and Readiness, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters, Air Force. “Specifically, aviation-related skillsets, formed through the crucible of combat and daily execution of high-intensity operations, is the foundation necessary to continue to effectively deliver warfighting capability to the Joint Force and the American people. Retaining these professional aviators’ experience and expertise within the Total Force is imperative in order to outpace future challenges that may emerge throughout the spectrum of conflict.” 

EARI, combined with the Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Bonus, offers specific rated officers with experience in flying critical weapon systems, both monetary and non-monetary incentives to extend their service commitment.  The monetary options range from $15,000 per year to $50,000 per year for contracts ranging from three to 12 years of additional service.  Non-monetary options continue to include an assignment of choice, assignment declination, or remain in place. 

EARI will be available for RegAF, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve rated officers. However, the Rated Officer Retention Demonstration Program will be only available to select RegAF rated officers. 

Complete eligibility requirements and application instructions is available on the myFSS website Welcome Page at myFSS (or by copying/pasting the following link into your browser: https://myfss.us.af.mil/USAFCommunity/s/knowledge-detail?xid=34479) 

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Readout of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s Video Teleconference with Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces Vice Adm. Aaron Beng

Source: US Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

November 29, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C., — Joint Staff Spokesperson Navy Capt. Jereal Dorsey provided the following readout:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., spoke with Chief of Defence Force of the Singapore Armed Forces Vice Adm. Aaron Beng, yesterday by video teleconference. This was their first call since Gen. Brown became Chairman.

The two military leaders discussed items of mutual interest, including security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, U.S. posture priorities, and mutual training opportunities.

The United States and Singapore maintain a strong bilateral defense relationship, and Singapore plays an important role in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

For more Joint Staff news, visit: www.jcs.mil.
Connect with the Joint Staff on social media: 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube,
LinkedIn and Flickr.

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AFWERX, NASA collaborate to develop digital Advanced Air Mobility operations center

Source: United States Air Force

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —  

AFWERX is partnering with NASA to develop a digital operations center for future Advanced Air Mobility efforts through the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program awardee, ResilienX.   

With the fast-growing field of AAM technology, AFWERX’s Airspace Innovation and Prime Partnerships program has partnered with NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to fill in technological and administrative gaps that present themselves. Earlier in 2023, AFWERX formalized these partnerships with a Memorandum of Understanding and participation in the AAM Interagency Working Group to plot the future of AAM. 

The CCRPP is a NASA Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program which takes mission-relevant technologies in development and infuses them with funding intended to foster commercialization. 

This system is intended to enhance base security, special forces efforts, emergency disaster response, and passenger and cargo transportation planning. It is further being developed to include other technologies necessary for air domain awareness. 

“CCRPP is a true example of public-private partnership where government stakeholders and an industry consortium are working together on the airspace efforts,” said Darshan Divakaran, AFWERX Airspace Innovation and Prime Partnerships program manager. 

ResilienX is a company focused on the holistic safety assurance of AAM ecosystems and is leading the way with an industry consortium to create a digital system for AAM operations. The project intends to define and perform initial integration of an AAM Operations Center that is scalable, tactical and enables verification and validation of the various systems and sensors involved in uncrewed aerial systems, electric vertical take-off and landing operations, and other advanced aviation technologies. The initial AAM Operations Center will be built out in collaboration with NUAIR at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, with an aim to test and transition it to additional locations by 2025. 

Each company in the consortium contributes their industry expertise and technological advancements to create the most robust system possible. As additional requirements are included by military and other government stakeholders, AFWERX plans to bring in additional industry partners in the next phase. 

“We are thrilled with the trust AFWERX has put in us to lead this consortium,” said Ryan Pleskach, CEO of ResilienX. “Through a dedicated systems engineering approach, we intend to develop a dual-use solution to the core digital infrastructure needed for advanced air mobility that is inherently scalable and extensible. Through this pioneering effort and with support of all the federal stakeholders that AFWERX is bringing to the table, we believe this solution will be turnkey and available to government and commercial markets in late 2024.” 

Utilizing the research expertise of NASA and AFWERX’s subject matter experts, this collaborative project will attempt to meet the needs of the emerging field of AAM operations. It is informed by the U.S. Air Force AAM Operations Center requirements through testing and operator interactions. 

“Agility Prime helped pave the way for government and industry to work together on aircraft certification,” Divakaran said. “The Airspace Innovation team is taking it a step forward with airspace integration, management and security efforts focused on emerging aviation technologies.” 

The first phase of development will include a detailed need and task assessment, feature development with user interviews and observations, initial integration of baseline technologies, and testing. The second phase will see user testing of human factors, safety development, prototype testing, and a live demonstration of the system. 

For this project, ResilienX has received $4.8 million in AFWERX and NASA funding through the CCRPP. The program is planned to progress through October 2025.