Air Force and Space Force senior leaders took to the stage at the recent Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium March 3-5, outlining their vision for the future of warfare and emphasizing the need for rapid modernization and adaptation in the face of evolving global threats.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman opened the conference, emphasizing space is no longer a peaceful domain.
As U.S. adversaries rapidly expand their space capabilities, Saltzman stressed the urgent need for his service to fully embrace its fundamental responsibility to establish Space Superiority.
"Fighting against a near-peer threat that has unfettered access to space while we do not is a recipe for death and destruction," Saltzman warned.
He outlined key focus areas and efforts designed to deliver the Space Force's transformation into a warfighting service, including:
• Space Control: Acknowledging it's the service's newest core function, encompassing offensive and defensive capabilities to ensure U.S. freedom of action in space.
• Integrated Mission Deltas: Streamlining operations, development, and sustainment to enhance combat effects delivery.
• Officer Training Course: Equipping new officers with a foundational understanding of all elements of spacepower.
• Space Futures Command: A proposed organization that will drive innovation and determine requirements to shape the Space Force of the future.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin echoed the need for urgency, advocating for "more Air Force" in an increasingly volatile world.
"America needs more Air Force. More Air Force doesn't mean more of the same. It means more Airmen are focused on the threat. It means a more agile force design that allows you to leverage industry. It means more Airmen … more defense of the homeland. Finally, it means more options for the president," Allvin said.
He further explained that "more Air Force" allows the service "to sustain and maintain the ability to go anytime, anywhere in the densest threat environment and put 'warheads on foreheads' anywhere the President might want.
Senior enlisted leaders from both services stressed the critical role of enlisted personnel in shaping the future force.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna called for a culture of innovation and adaptability.
"What we did yesterday is not going to succeed today," Bentivegna said. "We need innovative Guardians thinking outside the box, questioning assumptions, and evolving our service at the tactical level."
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi emphasized the importance of the warrior ethos, discipline, standards and accountability.
"We are wingmen, we're leaders, we're warriors, we're in the profession of arms. We must focus on our main thing-the lethality and readiness of our force-to preserve options for our nation."
