Category: Military

Source: United States Air Force

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) —  

Air, ground and naval forces from the United States and Canada under the authority of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command successfully completed maneuvers near Shemya, Attu and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Sept. 10, as part of a long-planned, bi-national operation to detect, deter and safeguard against potential threats to North America and the Arctic region.

Forces in support of Operation Noble Defender, an operation supporting the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Homeland Defense Campaign plan, demonstrated their ability to operate in the dynamic Arctic region including unfavorable weather and the austere environment.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, said as the environment continues to change, interest in the Arctic region increases and that makes the ability to execute operations there more important than ever.

“As strategic competitors take advantage of greater access and influence in the region, NORAD and USNORTHCOM must demonstrate the readiness and capability to persistently operate in the arctic,” he said. “Access to ready forces, trained and equipped to operate in the arctic is vital to the defense of North America and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous region.”

Operation Noble Defender included USNORTHCOM air, ground, naval and special forces components conducting Operation Polar Dagger, designed to integrate joint special operations units and test new capabilities while defending critical infrastructure, enhancing all-domain awareness and strengthening the force’s understanding of the region.

USNORTHCOM contributes additional capabilities to Operation Noble Defender events to enhance integrated deterrence across strategic opportunities.

Operation Noble Defender also included an air component, Operation Polar Arrow, to demonstrate the ability to deploy assets in concert with special operations elements, as well as the ability to maintain air sovereignty over North America.

United States and Canadian NORAD assets such as F-16 Fighting Falcons, CF-18 Hornets, E-3 airborne warning and control system and KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrated the interoperability needed by this bi-national command as part of the layered defense structure required to defend North America.

Operation Noble Defender is a recurring NORAD air defense operation that demonstrates and strengthens the command’s ability to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations.

Source: United States Air Force

VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —  

At the request of the Philippine government, the 505th Training Squadron located at Hurlburt Field, Florida sent a team of U.S. Air Force Air Operations Center Formal Training Unit instructors to Villamor Air Base, Philippines, Aug. 10-19.

The instructors trained 28 members of the Philippine Air Force’s 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing and 5th Fighter Wing. The bilateral training focused on joint planning processes; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fundamentals; and best practices for ISR support to operations.

Source: United States Air Force

RIMBA AIR FORCE BASE, Brunei (AFNS) —  

Pacific Angel 23-3 Brunei wrapped up at Rimba Air Force Base, Sept.15, after four days of multiple search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response training operations.

More than 100 Airmen from across the Pacific Air Forces joined forces with the Royal Brunei Air Force to improve their collective ability to respond effectively to humanitarian crises, disaster situations and search and rescue missions, solidifying their commitment to regional security and collaboration.

“Increasing capacity and readiness alongside the Royal Brunei Air Force solidifies our ability to jointly manage a wide range of contingencies,” said Lt. Col. Eric Thorstad, Pacific Angel 23-3 commander. “In Pacific Angel, we have a framework to collaborate and extend a legacy of success in humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

This iteration of Pacific Angel is focused on regional search and rescue and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response capacity-building interoperability with partnering nations.

“Our shared commitment to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region is the foundation of the U.S.-Brunei relationship,” said Caryn R. McClelland, U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. “Collaborative exercises such as Pacific Angel 23-3 not only strengthen our humanitarian relief capabilities but also foster meaningful people-to-people ties between our nations.”

Pacific Angel 23-3 demonstrated PACAF’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and its allies and partners.

“We have witnessed remarkable success in our collective efforts over the past week,” Thorstad said. “PACAF is committed to building ongoing collaboration.”

Source: United States Air Force

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) —  

The Department of the Air Force’s top officials provided a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions at the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Air, Space and Cyber Conference Sept. 11-13.

The leaders spoke with a common theme of the critical need for DAF modernization and reorientation to counteract strategic competition in the Air, Space, and Cyber domains.

Read on for a synopsis of DAF senior leader keynotes and panels.

Secretary of the Air Force provides assessment of future threats

Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall‘s keynote address Sept. 11 reviewed the People’s Republic of China’s transformation into a U.S. strategic competitor as well as highlighted current DAF initiatives. He emphasized the need for the Air Force and Space Force to quickly modernize and adapt, sharing his view that the PRC now poses a more direct security challenge than violent extremist organizations. He urged Congress to overcome challenges in confirming general officer nominations, passing a full-year defense budget and preventing legislative gridlock.

Kendall also reviewed his seven Operational Imperatives, which align with the U.S. National Security Strategy and aim to reshape the Air Force and Space Force to meet the challenges posed by adversaries. Kendall emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of DAF’s organizational structure, training initiatives and equipment lifecycles. Kendall also expressed confidence that DAF is supporting the Joint Force, along with allies and partners, to unite and focus on deterring the pacing challenge.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force on accelerating change in order to meet global security challenges

Emphasizing themes that are now familiar, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. stated that the U.S. Air Force must continue to change to meet the challenges of today’s complex security environment or risk losing the certainty with which we have defended our national interests for decades. Brown outlined the progress on Accelerate Change or Lose and issued his 2020 blueprint for the Air Force, which has been characterized by four ‘action orders’ aimed at developing Airmen with the attributes needed for a high-end fight, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making processes, reshaping the service’s culture and mindset to address strategic competition and designing the force required for the future.

Chief of Space Operations on securing America’s interests in space

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman delivered a keynote address Sept. 12, discussing the increasingly contested and congested space domain. He explained how the Space Force was created for this new era, increasingly characterized by great power competition and tying the service’s new mission statement, “Secure our Nation’s interests in, from, and to space,” to the core functions Guardians provide for the Joint Force: space superiority, global mission operations, and assured space access. Finally, he discussed the need to create new Force Design, Force Development, Force Generation, and Force Employment schemas to build the Space Force we need to address current and future challenges.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force speaks on culture, goals, and vision

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass spoke Sept. 13, expressing gratitude for the dedication of Airmen and the vital roles they play in projecting airpower globally. She highlighted the need for the Air Force to continuously improve to meet challenges in the Pacific region. Bass stressed the significance of understanding and harnessing the power of information and artificial intelligence in the digital age. She also discussed the importance of Airmen thinking critically, challenging the status quo and embracing innovation.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force stresses importance of changing the game

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman spoke to the AFA audience Sept. 13, discussing the Space Force core values, or “4 C’s,” the importance of creating winning teams, and the Space Force’s new Polaris Award. He detailed how the 4 Cs: Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage, were developed by Guardians and were being incorporated into the promotion board process. He also reflected on his service as the first Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force ahead of his change of responsibility to Chief Master Sergeant John F. Bentivegna, Sept. 15.

Senior leaders assemble to discuss challenges for military families

Gen. Brown and his wife, Sharene Brown; Gen. Saltzman and his wife, Jennifer Saltzman; Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Bass and her husband, Rahn Bass; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Towberman and his wife, Rachel Rush engaged in a panel discussion about the evolving nature of military families, including the rise of dual-working families, dual military families, and single parent families. The leaders highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives and programs on military installations to maintain family connections and mentioned specific resources, including the Cohen Veterans Network, Joint Service School Liaison Program, and the Exceptional Family Member Program. They also touched on the unique challenges faced by Airmen and Guardians supporting high operational tempo units from home stations, emphasizing the need to provide ways to mitigate the stressors of the “deployed in-place” concept.

Summary

The Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference provided a platform for Department of the Air Force senior leaders to discuss their perspectives for modernization and readiness to address evolving security threats to an audience of uniformed and civilian military members and industry partners. It also provided a forum for DAF civic engagements, bilateral discussions, media panels and recognition events for outstanding servicemembers.

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

A new Department of the Air Force website supports the development of a coaching culture throughout the service by offering a variety of resources tailored to the needs of Airmen and Guardians.

At the Department of the Air Force’s Coaching site, members can explore how to find a professional coach and become a coach. Additional resources are available to support the development of the DAF’s internal coaching culture.

Coaching is a structured, formalized, goal-oriented process where a certified coach focuses on helping individuals overcome specific challenges, develop new skills and reach desired outcomes. Coaches employ active listening, powerful questioning, and feedback tools and techniques, empowering individuals to find their own solutions to certain challenges and build self-awareness.

“Coaching is a crucial component for our Total Force development ecosystem,” said Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services. “It empowers our members to unlock their greatest potential, generate personal growth and better contribute to the service’s mission.”

Katharine Kelley, deputy chief of space operations for Human Capital, expanded on coaching culture’s benefit to the DAF.

“Coaching is an investment that will pay dividends for our people,” she said. “It challenges members to self-reflect on their strengths and grow in new ways personally and professionally.”

According to Crystal Moore, director of Air Force Force Development, coaching and mentoring have key differences that each contribute to individual growth.

“It’s essential to understand the difference between coaching and mentoring to maximize the capabilities of both methodologies,” Moore said. “Mentoring is a relationship-based approach that centers on sharing knowledge, experience and advice while helping mentees achieve their career goals. Mentoring relationships may be longer-term and address a broad range of personal and professional growth areas. A coach encourages individuals to develop their own approaches to a challenge through thoughtful questioning and are shorter-term in nature.”

Moore summarized the techniques’ divergence by illustrating a difference in the guide’s role.

“Essentially, a mentor talks to you with advice; a coach empowers you,” she said.

While mentoring is the more familiar practice in the DAF, creating a coaching culture can enhance efforts to develop the total force.

The services believe coaching can significantly impact one’s professional and personal life. A coach’s objective guidance can help individuals overcome challenges, develop new skills and achieve desired outcomes more efficiently. Coaching can also foster self-awareness and resilience, enabling Airmen and Guardians to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Leadership recognizes that becoming a coach requires dedication, training and a genuine desire to help others grow. Coaches enhance the force’s effectiveness and adaptability by assisting others to realize their potential.

“Through coaching, the services can foster a culture of continuous growth, ensuring our members are ready to face any challenges and uphold our Air and Space Superiority,” Miller said.

For questions about the DAF coaching program, visit the coaching page, or email af.a1di.coaching@us.af.mil.

Source: United States Air Force

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall announced the Air Task Force as the next step in the Air Force’s Force Generation model during the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2023 Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 11 in National Harbor, Maryland.

“Major initiatives in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, such as Air Force Force Generation in the Air Force and the evolving allocations of responsibility across Space Force field commands are moves in the right direction,” Kendall said. “On Friday, I approved the Air Force creation of three Air Task Forces to serve as pilots in order to experiment with ways to more effectively provide deployable, integrated units — two for U.S. Central Command and one for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command … they are a major step in the right direction, and we will learn from this experience.”

As part of an ongoing effort to build high-end readiness for the future, the Air Force continues to evolve the way it presents its forces through the AFFORGEN model.

What Airmen need to know about the Air Task Force
– The ATF provides the Air Force with a definable unit of action at a sustainable pace for employing and posturing forces.

– The first ATFs will enter the AFFORGEN cycle in Summer 2024 and will deploy beginning in fiscal year 2026.

– These Airmen which form the ATFs will team, train and deploy together through the AFFORGEN cycle.

– As ATFs are built, Airmen will be sourced from across the Air Force. Further details will be available in the coming months.

In addition to a disciplined force generation model, the Air Force is refining Agile Combat Employment tactics, Multi-Capable Airmen training, A-Staff constructs, and implementing a Mission Command approach to command and control.

Air Task Force construct
The ATF will consist of a Command Element with an attached expeditionary A-Staff; an Expeditionary Air Base Squadron to provide Base Operating Support; and Mission Generation Force Elements with attached Mission Sustainment Teams to facilitate Agile Combat Employment.

– The Command Element will be the ATF’s dedicated leadership team throughout the entire AFFORGEN cycle, focused on building, training, certifying and deploying a cohesive unit postured for success across the spectrum of conflict. The Command Element will consist of the commander, deputy commander, a senior enlisted leader and an expeditionary A-Staff.

– The ATF commander will be a colonel; the ATF deputy commander will be a lieutenant colonel who has successfully completed at least one squadron command assignment; and the senior enlisted leader will be a command chief master sergeant.

– The A-Staff will assist the ATF commander by providing staff support in interacting with higher headquarters and fulfilling the commander’s responsibility to provide resourcing, policy, oversight and guidance.

“Concepts like Multi-Capable Airmen and Agile Combat Employment are aligned with meeting the pacing challenge,” Kendall said.

The ATF model represents the next step in adopting a more modular organization of teams, which generate through the AFFORGEN cycle together and then deploy as a unit to maximize effectiveness.