Six months ago, on a stage in Aurora, Colorado, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin announced a series of service-wide changes to address evolving threats and the changing nature of warfare. Recently, the two returned to deliver a progress report to the troops.
Kendall opened the 2024 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference with a moment of levity, but quickly turned serious.
“The threat from China is increasing,” Kendall said. “China is not a future threat. China is a threat today.”
This threat, along with Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and prolonged unrest in the Middle East, spurred the changes announced in early 2024. Kendall reported that progress on the 24 decisions is well underway, with only a few slightly behind schedule.
Despite the optimistic outlook, concerns remain, particularly with Congress. Kendall emphasized the need to move at the speed of leadership, not bureaucracy.
“We don’t have the time for petty parochial interests or arguments about turf,” Kendall said.
Allvin echoed Kendall’s sentiments, noting that time is as much a resource as funding and manpower. He highlighted the provisional standup of the Integrated Capabilities Command, which will oversee the largest restructuring of the Air Force since the Cold War.
“There will be challenges ahead,” Allvin said. “It is up to us to have the courage and boldness to take these actions. I believe these actions will result in what our airmen need, what the joint force demands, and what the nation demands: one Air Force to meet the challenge and ensure we can continue to fly, fight, and win.”
Kendall and Allvin’s remarks underscored the urgency and importance of adapting to current threats. The Air Force’s leadership remains committed to ensuring the service is prepared for the challenges ahead, emphasizing swift action and effective communication to navigate bureaucratic hurdles. The progress report highlighted significant strides, but also acknowledged the work still needed to fully implement the announced changes.
Access the full Weapons and Warfare episode here.
Access all Weapons and Warfare podcast episodes here.
