Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Air Power Podcast [Aug 21, 25] Season 3 E31: Truth Bomb
Aug 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, retired Colonel JV Venable, a former United States Air Force fighter pilot and Thunderbird commander, shares insights from the Mitchell Institute's forthcoming report on airpower. He addresses the growing strength of the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the pressing need for U.S. service readiness amid leadership changes. The conversation delves into military aviation dynamics, the complexities of defense procurement, and the challenges facing the next Air Force chief regarding resource allocation and operational readiness in an evolving global landscape.
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Delay Major Reorgs Until Readiness Improves
- Avoid major organizational upheaval while the force is strained and underfunded.
- Solidify readiness and resources before pursuing sweeping restructuring.
Past Reorgs Worked Because Force Was Strong
- Venable recalls past Cold War reorganizations like McPeak's and Fogelman's corrections.
- He argues those succeeded because the force was healthy before large change.
Air Force At A Historic Low
- The Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready it has ever been.
- Mitchell warns leadership must act now to reverse decline against a rising PLAAF.