The Air Force has already achieved great synergies by integrating its active duty and reserve components more closely. But Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said Thursday at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando that he wants more of this. “We need to build on these accomplishments by putting some brainpower against Total Force Integration, part 2,” he said. This is just one of the ways in which the Air Force’s leadership is trying to mitigate the impact of resource constraints on the service’s ability to execute its mission most effectively and efficiently.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.