Hayden said the intelligence problem manifests itself at a lower level as well. Some Air Force intelligence officers are grumbling about a lack of advancement opportunities, with a perception that no one can get beyond 0-6. This has an element of whining to it, the four-star said, but the complaint also holds a grain of truth. The Air Force should therefore foster a cross-flow of intel officers through other commands. Hayden said he benefited from a tour as Chief of Staff for US Forces Korea, and, similarly, Air Intelligence Agency chief Maj. Gen. John C. Koziol was most recently a wing commander for ACC. These are the types of assignments that better integrate intelligence with the operational military.
Senators Want to Build Back MQ-9 Fleet by 2028
June 12, 2026
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said the MQ-9 proved to be the “most valuable player” of Operation Epic Fury—so valuable, in fact, that a key congressional panel wants to require the Air Force to grow its fleet of Reaper drones in the next few years.