Chief's strategy white paper unveiled

Published Feb. 21, 2008
Air Force Print News

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- "Transformation is an enduring part of our culture as Airmen," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff. "We are forever looking for an edge to strengthen our ability to deliver combat power for the nation."
   General Moseley spoke to members of Air University's professional military education classes here Feb. 7, where he unveiled his strategy white paper and the Air Force's list of transformational initiatives.
   "Part of redefining airpower for the 21st Century requires us to anticipate the future fight, learn from past experiences and adapt to changes in operations, organization and technology," said General Moseley.
   Our predecessors learned the same lessons right here at Maxwell, the general said.
Leading up to World War II, the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell AFB was considered the intellectual center of developing air operations. Not only did the school educate officers in the strategy, tactics and techniques of airpower, it also was involved in the development of air doctrine and discussions of the role of airpower in war.
   Today we are at a similar intersection in history, General Moseley said. There are technological advancements in weapons and instability in various regions around the world. We must continue to identify and implement ways in which airpower can bring an asymmetric advantage to all military operations.
   "We are committed to redefining American airpower," he said. "And we are going to use the white paper and our initiatives to guide our way. The white paper is our mission brief and the transformational initiatives are the way points on our flight path to a revitalized Air Force."
   The white paper, released on Dec. 29th, Gen. Billy Mitchell's birthday, outlines the strategic operating environment facing the Air Force and defines the service's roles in providing the nation and joint military team Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power in response to the challenges presented by that environment.
   The transformational initiatives provide focus to ensure the Air Force budget and acquisition programs are linked to the strategy and will directly contribute to future readiness.
   "The white paper is my vision for ensuring our future ability to fly, fight and win in all three of our operational domains," he said. "As students at Air University, and future leaders in our Air Force, I encourage you to use this document as the foundation of your airpower research, strategy discussions and doctrine development."