Eighth Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Robert Elder says the Air Force’s ability to use precision weapons and deal with multiple targets is tied to how the service works in cyberspace. SSgt. Matthew Rosine reports from Barksdale AFB, La., cyber-central for the Air Force, that Elder expects to stand up the new Cyber Command this fall provisionally at Barksdale. Elder believes that the Air Force, which he describes as a “global service,” conducts its operations effectively and efficiently with centralized control but decentralized execution “because our control of cyberspace is so good.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.