The new Secretary maintains that the Air Force has always been a joint service, but he wants it to seek out new missions instead of “waiting to be asked.” He calls this approach: “aggressively pursuing joint.” The Air Force already provides close air support, aerial mobility and refueling, indirect fire, intelligence, aeromedical evacuation, security, training, tactical communications, contracting, and convoy operations. Now, says Wynne, the question is “should we encroach a little bit more on unfamiliar territory.”
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.