Results (
Thai) 2:
[Copy]Copied!
Ensure A Full-Spectrum Capable,
High-End Focused Force
Should deterrence fail, we must be able to fly, fight, and win across the spectrum
of conflict. Our responsibility to the nation requires the successful application of
our core missions across a broad range of contingencies – some of which do not directly require combat. However,
our most challenging scenario is in increasingly contested environments where gaining and maintaining air and space
superiority will be our toughest mission – and our highest priority. While success in this environment cannot be at
the expense of all lower-end capabilities, our unique and indispensable contribution requires that we posture for the
most demanding scenario, not necessarily the most likely. In the early years of our Air Force, a high-end focus left a
force structure that was less effective and efficient in conducting combat operations at the lower end of the spectrum of
conflict. Clearly, an Air Force with agile capability development and employment will seek to find common systems
to deliver maximum effect and optimal efficiency along the spectrum of conflict. As the most significant integrator and
enabler for joint operations, we are fully committed to continuing the support we provide the joint force across our core
mission areas. Future acquisition programs, training and education must keep that focus clear.
Our ability to effectively operate in contested environments will require
a blended solution. Specifically, we will seek to increase emphasis on
stand-off capabilities while maintaining stand-in resilience. Stand-off and
long-range weapon systems that maximize the speed, range, and flexibility
of airpower are increasing in importance. The ability to affect desired
targets with enough persistence and precision from long range at low
cost can fundamentally alter the equation for success in highly contested
environments – and we will continue to develop these capabilities.
Execution speed will play an increased role in long range capabilities, as it
not only offers increased survivability but also expands our decision time while reducing our adversaries’ opportunity
to react.
Stand-off systems are not the sole solution to the expanding engagement zone of potential adversaries. Future operating
bases, at home and abroad, will all be held at some level of risk, and we must not allow stand-off weapons to precipitate
a complete withdrawal from important regional locations. To the extent we will conduct sustained operations from
within contested environments, we will pursue effective resiliency measures. But we must also adjust our warfighting
posture to minimize the force protection bill and lower the risk to critical systems.
Conversely, the work to strengthen resiliency in light of increased risk to basing cannot be at the expense of efforts
to enhance our stand-off capabilities. Once again, agility will be critical to meeting the challenges anticipated in the
future, and our ability to shift rapidly between “stand-off” and “stand-in” postures may well offer strategic advantage
– as well as allowing us to capitalize on any game-changing technological developments that present strategic pivot
points in our future plans.
Success in the combat environment of the future will still demand ingenuity and imagination as it has in the past—
perhaps even more so. For example, we cannot allow the ever-increasing potential of enemy defensive systems to
diminish our offensive capabilities. Our penetrating weapon systems must have high probability of success. However,
weapon survivability cannot be restricted purely to munitions with global range; a spread of launch platforms and
options must be retained. Similarly, we must explore alternative weapon effects that damage, disable, deceive or
disrupt, as well as those that destroy. Complicating the adversary’s targeting processes and developing techniques
that disrupt their systems upstream of their weapon release point is essential.
Importantly, temporary effects will be particularly critical for controlling
escalation in future conflicts – and the Air Force is well placed to offer such
options to our national decision-makers and joint force commanders.
Our concepts for Global Reach must develop in concert with those involving
direct force application. Regardless of whether we are employing combat
power from range or conducting sustained operations within a particular
theater, our airlift and air refueling assets must be capable of operating in
the anticipated environments. Additionally, as a full-spectrum force, we
embrace the fact that the success of some operations will be less dependent upon the sustained application of combat
power, and more closely linked to the speed of our global response. Whether the response is a timely precision strike
on a hostile target, or pallets of food, water, and blankets delivered to families suffering from a large-scale disaster, our
ability to rapidly span the globe will keep us relevant as a full-spectrum force.
Being translated, please wait..
