Douglas A. Birkey
Recent stories by Douglas A. Birkey
Air War Over Korea: Lessons for Today’s Airmen
The post-World War II drawdown left the Air Force ill-prepared for conflict. The parallels with today are enlightening.
The Battle for the Soul of JADC2
Lessons from the Battle of Britain loom large in how USAF constructs the Advanced Battle Management System.
Q&A: Interview with Air Force Global Strike Command boss Gen. Timothy M. Ray
Air Force Global Strike Command boss Gen. Timothy M. Ray talks about the high demand for USAF bombers and the value bomber task force missions bring to the nation.
Air, Space, and the Biden Administration
Priorities for the Pentagon’s new leadership must begin with aerospace power.
A Better Way to Measure Combat Value
Conventional measures mask the true cost of operations—cost-per-effect does not.
Japan Needs More Fifth-Generation Jets
The case for a new version of the F-22, reborn with the brains of the F-35.
Harnessing Innovation Without Prematurely Falling in Love with Technology
DOD must harness innovation when developing new operational conceptions, but it also needs to ensure that real-world pragmatic perspectives are driving the decision-making process, according to experts at the West Coast Aerospace Forum last week.
Military Experts: The Modernization Challenge is Here, Additional Funding for Defense Needed
The threats to US national security are greater than they've been in decades, and the US can no longer afford to push off mounting modernization costs, said two members of the National Defense Strategy Commission at the West Coast Aerospace Forum.
Teaming Up to Fight in Space
Space is without a doubt a contested domain, and the US military and the intelligence community are teaming up to face the challenge.
Smarter Acquisition
Commanders must delegate to their staffs and provide assistance when required if they are to be successful, said Space and Missile Systems Center commander Lt. Gen. John Thompson, during a recent West Coast Aerospace Forum in California.
Operating in a World Where Contract Stability is Lacking
New entrants to the defense industry recently spoke of the challenges involved with launching a new venture in a world where contract stability is lacking.
Information Will be King in Future Warfare
Future success in warfare will no longer be determined by who owns the best “things," instead it will come down to who does the best job harnessing information to put assets in the right time and place to prudently yield effects.
Arsenal of Democracy
A unique parade of vintage military aircraft—dubbed the “Arsenal of Democracy Flyover”—flew down the Potomac River and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Friday, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe during World War II. Among the aircraft was...
Building the Air Force We Need
Keys to shaping tomorrow’s Air Force.
A Change in Vector
The Mitchell Institute on building America’s future bomber force.