Air 
Force Secretary Michael Donley said he’s not seeking a return of milestone decision authority for space programs from the Defense Department. Speaking with reporters Monday, Donley said that last week’s announced restructure of the Air Force headquarters space enterprise wasn’t meant as an overture to regain space acquisition authority, which was taken away about five years ago, during a leadership vaccum at the undersecretary level. “I expect the milestone decision authority… for ACAT 1 and space to remain with AT&L [the defense undersecretariat for acquisition, technology, and logistics], Donley said. “I think that makes sense for the department.” He said such authority should stay there given the Pentagon’s efforts at streamlining acquisition. There was a “separate process for space” and there shouldn’t be, he said. He added that the fact that he has not requested return of milestone authority “did not get close attention” when the HQ space restructure was announced.
Billy Mitchell: Lessons a Hundred Years Hence
Dec. 16, 2025
Exactly 100 years ago, on Dec. 17, 1925, Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell was convicted by court-martial for violating an order that required approval before he could engage with the media. Mitchell’s provocative thoughts and unorthodox methods sought attention for a cause that he saw as uniquely American.
