A Conversation with Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall
May 22, 2024
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Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall discusses the reorganization of the Department of the Air Force and modernization. They talk about challenges new entrants face, resistance to moving Air National Guard members to the Space Force, and the need for deployable units in modern conflicts.
Secretary Kendall emphasizes the importance of restructuring for modernization based on Cold War insights.
Integration of Space National Guard into Space Force faces challenges but aims for enhanced operational efficiency.
Deep dives
Secretary of the Air Force Background and Reorganization
Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force, discusses the reorganization of the Department of the Air Force focusing on modernization issues. With a background in aerospace engineering and experience in defense technology, Kendall highlights the need for restructuring based on his insight from the Cold War era. Collaborating with Air and Space Force leaders, the reorganization aims to enhance competitiveness and address modernization gaps.
Modernization Priorities and Strategic Imperatives
Kendall outlines seven operational imperatives crucial for modernization efforts, including space order battle, joint command, moving target indication, next-generation air dominance, resiliency of forward bases, global strike capabilities, and information system dependencies. Additional priorities such as mobility, electromagnetic spectrum control, munitions mix, and training are identified to enhance operational effectiveness and preparedness.
Congressional Support and Funding Requirements
While Kendall's reorganization plan requires minimal congressional authority, funding support may be essential for certain initiatives. Emphasizing the need for financial backing to ensure successful implementation, Kendall underscores strategic collaboration with Congress to convey the importance of the modernization priorities and obtain necessary resources. The plan involves careful budget management and coordination to align fiscal needs with operational goals.
Space National Guard Integration Challenges
One of the key challenges discussed revolves around integrating the Space National Guard into the Space Force. Facing resistance and misconceptions, Kendall addresses the need to align Guard members with the Space Force structure for enhanced operational efficiency. Despite debates on potential organizational changes, Kendall emphasizes adaptability to varying outcomes, prioritizing effective integration for optimal military readiness.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was kind enough to spend some time with Ryan talking about the reorganization of the Department of the Air Force and modernization. They also discussed the challenges new entrants have breaking into working with the Defense Department. And they closed with a brief discussion about resistance to plans to move some Air National Guard members from six states into the Space Force.
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