National Security Strategy, Air Mobility Command’s new airlift recap plan, and the new STRATCOM commander. Plus, CCAs, the biggest take aways for 2025, and what we predict will shape defense in 2026.
Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), and Kyle Pumroy share some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.
Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. Lt. Gen. David. A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Lt. Gen. Burton Field, USAF (Ret.), JV Venable, and Heather Penney share some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform.
We chat with Ace Colonel Chuck DeBellevue, USAF (Ret.) as he reflects upon Major Bob Lodge, a fighter pilot from the famed 555th Fighter Squadron who made the ultimate sacrifice over North Vietnam. Lodge developed cutting edge tactics, harnessed new technologies, and personally took the fight to the enemy in ways that were truly above and beyond.
The U.S. Air Force doesn’t have enough airlift. Today’s inventory is half the size of what it was in the Cold War, but current demands are far higher and more complex. This isn’t just an Air Force problem; it impacts the entire Department of War.
In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand? What’s up with the new Air Force fighter force structure report, plus Secretary of War Hegseth’s acquisition speech? We also explore Gen. Wilsbach’s new priorities, F-35s to Saudia Arabia, as well as Lt. Gen. White’s nomination for a new job as DRPM. The conversation also covers the Space Force, including Vector 2025, the creation of Combat Forces Command, and new developments regarding their test and validation requirements.
Now that space is a warfighting domain, the Space Force and Space Command must pursue capabilities and operational concepts that increase resilience and effectiveness.
Most of the Air Force’s aircraft are flying with engines designed during the Cold War. That’s why the service is pursuing a new generation of engines. We talk with Lt. Gen. Steve Shepro, USAF (Ret.) of Pratt and Whitney to learn more.
The Air Force is facing a readiness crisis, one that threatens our airmen’s ability to prevail in a peer conflict. That’s why live, virtual, constructive (LVC) training paired with advanced simulation is key to warfighter readiness and lethality. Heather “Lucky” Penney digs into this topic with CAE’s Nick “Master” Yates and Matt Martin.
Marine veteran Andrew Bain spent the past 30 years living and working in Ukraine. He and Adm. Ihor Voronchenko (Ret), former commander of the Ukrainian Navy, join hosts Heather "Lucky" Penney and Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.) for an inside look at technical and tactical innovation in the fight for survival against Russian aggression.
In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand as well as the shutdown? We also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, plus the latest and greatest with spacepower. Plus, we explore organizational happenings, like the decision to role the ICC function into A5/7, not pursue Space Force Futures, and downgrading USAFE to a 3-star billet. We wrap up by highlighting the new small UAS test efforts at Grand Forks AFB and jump into the renewed debate on whether too much is being spent on Air Force R&D vs procurement and readiness.
China, Russia, and other adversaries can strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. In this episode, we discuss solutions with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.) and former USAFE commander Gen. Jeff “Cobra” Harrigian, USAF (Ret.); along with Mitchell Institute senior fellows Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret); Charles Galbreath; and host Heather Penney.
When the USSR gained atomic weapons early in the Cold War, the idea that the Soviets could strike American targets demanded a response. Robust air defense investments followed. With current adversary threats driving a renewed air and missile defense response via Golden Dome, it’s important to consider what past eras can teach us. Lessons learned are tremendously important.
Adversaries possess the means to strike the U.S. through a range of air and missile technologies. Their increasingly aggressive behavior demands a threat assessment, plus corresponding defenses. We explore this critical issue with former NORTHCOM-NORAD commander Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret) and former STRATCOM commander Gen. Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret).
In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. What does a government closure mean for defense and where do the defense bills stand in Congress? What are the challenges and opportunities facing a new CSAF? We also explore the USSF’s new Force Design, plus what it will take to better track threats in space, Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 satellites on orbit, and recent space-based laser communication advancements. Lastly, what’s up with the Department of War’s increased focus on homeland defense?
