Strategic Vectors
for the Future
An agile and inclusive organization better positions our Air Force for success in the uncertain, rapidly changing environment
of the future. However, we fully recognize that the pursuit of agility does not relieve us of the responsibility to make
choices, or lay down investment “bets” on future capabilities. In fact, agility offers the opportunity to place more bets,
because they are less costly at their inception and manageable throughout development and employment. As we determine
the areas of strategic emphasis, enabled by an agile and inclusive institution, we will narrow our focus to those areas that
address the more complex challenges and exploit the most promising opportunities we identify on – and perhaps foresee
over – the horizon.
It is important to note that the following vectors are not intended to be a comprehensive
representation of our Air Force. On the contrary, Global Vigilance—Global Reach—
Global Power are three interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of our
contribution to the nation – none more important than the others, and all requiring due
attention. In addition, a myriad of support activities form the foundation for those
pillars – not all referenced in the pages that follow. However, without a strong and
dependable foundation, the pillars are of marginal value. The foundation consists
of all our Airmen – each contributing in an important and powerful way. For the
purpose of this document, the vectors below are intended not to exclude, but to help
focus as we look to direct our investments, institutional changes, and employment
concepts into the middle of the 21st-century.