The Air Force needs to focus more on energy efficiencies during the acquisition process for new weapon systems instead of waiting until a system is already in the field, said Kevin Geiss, the Air Force’s deputy assistant secretary for energy. During an AFA-Air Force Breakfast Program address in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 23, Geiss said officials should consider much earlier than they do now where a platform’s fuel is based, the resiliency of that fuel supply, and the service’s ability to support operations. “We need to think left of the [analysis of alternatives] because, at the end of the day, when we buy something, a lot of the strategic decisions have already been made about how a system is utilized,” said Geiss. He emphasized that energy is a critical factor in nearly every weapon system requirement so the Air Force must “ensure that energy is appropriately on the table.” He said his office is discussing “the most appropriate ways to do that” with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the other services.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…