A new McAleese & Associates report outlines key takeaways from the 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference where Department of the Air Force leaders called for operational and cultural transformation across the two military services operating under DAF.
Jim McAleese, founder of McAleese & Associates and three-time Wash100 winner, reported that Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall believes a “one team, one fight” principle should underpin the shared purpose of the Air and Space Forces as they look to address strategic competitors such as China.
“To be stronger, we are going to have to change. … We have to respond with a sense of urgency, but we also have to take the time necessary to make smart choices about our future and our investments,” Kendall, a three-time Wash100 awardee, told his audience at the Air Force Association-hosted conference.
The 26th SecAF noted that the military should ensure that technology experiments and demonstrations can offer operational improvements and minimize acquisition program risks.
Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chief of the staff at the Air Force, said at the same conference that the service must accelerate transformation if it wants to accomplish missions and defend the U.S. from strategic competition.
“I truly believe we have the greatest Airmen and best defense and tech industry in the world,” Brown said.
“Together we must work to accomplish what seems impossible. We must rise to the challenges of today to prepare for tomorrow.”
