Recognizing AI’s nearly limitless potential to shape the future of defense and technology, the Air Force is rigorously exploring the vast opportunities of human-machine teaming to expedite critical decision-making and ensure readiness for tomorrow’s challenges. In this issue of Airman Magazine, we spoke to the Air Force’s leading minds on AI and learned how Airmen and Guardians are developing solutions to strengthen national security, enhance capabilities, and remain committed to innovation in an evolving technological landscape.
Recognizing AI’s nearly limitless potential to shape the future of defense and technology, the Air Force is rigorously exploring the vast opportunities of human-machine teaming to expedite critical decision-making and ensure readiness for tomorrow’s challenges.
In this issue of Airman Magazine, we spoke to the Air Force’s leading minds on AI and learned how Airmen and Guardians are developing solutions to strengthen national security, enhance capabilities, and remain committed to innovation in an evolving technological landscape.
CLICK TO WATCH
In the vast expanse of the digital frontier, where cutting-edge technology meets the demands of modern warfare, the United States Air Force stands at the forefront of innovation. Among its arsenal of advancements, artificial intelligence emerges as a pivotal force, shaping the future of aerial dominance and national security.
Col. Tucker "Cinco" Hamilton, 96th Operations Group commander at Eglin AFB and Air Force AI test and operations chief, discusses the current state of AI within the Air Force, ongoing research, development and testing and AI’s place in building the force of the future.
The 40th Flight Test Squadron, under the 96th Test Wing, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is responsible for conducting developmental tests and evaluation on various airframes and weapon systems. In this video, Capt. Blake “BANDIT” Morgan, 40th FTS flight test engineer, explains the ways artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used as autonomous force multipliers. (U.S. Air Force video by Tech. Sgt. Janiqua P. Robinson)
Recent developments have markedly increased the scope of AI, enhancing tasks as routine as paperwork processing and as complex as the advancement of kinetic warfare technologies. The Air Force Test Center is at the forefront of the Air Force's exploration into AI and autonomy and leverages its vast institutional knowledge, resources and the skilled ingenuity and creativity of its testing experts to craft innovative solutions that address the challenges confronting the Air Force today and into the future.
This episode of ‘Pushing the Envelope’ explores how artificial intelligence and machine learning could be force multipliers in getting the Air Force and Space Force ready for future conflict, which Kendall said, “could happen at any time.”
In the pursuit of developing a strategic advantage against our adversaries, it’s imperative for the U.S. Air Force to harness all available national assets. The MIT AI Accelerator emphasizes the fusion of advancing science with practical problem-solving through programs like the Phantoms. By fostering partnerships with industry and academia, the AI Accelerator aims to cultivate the integration of technology into military operations while remaining agile in the face of evolving threats. (U.S. Air Force video by Master Sgt. Christopher Griffin)
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
The Air Force Research Laboratory is investing in human machine teaming, because it's an area that has the potential to deliver transformative technologies for future war fighting missions in all domains.
The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) projects and sustains the Joint Force globally. Air Mobility Command (AMC) plays a vital role in this mission. With multiple strategic locations around the world, USTRANSCOM enables the rapid deployment and sustainment of personnel, equipment and
To maintain and advance its ability to rapidly deploy anytime, anywhere, AMC has empowered units to experiment with new procedures and strategies to broaden their capabilities before the next major conflict. In this episode of ‘At Altitude,’ we sat down with Maj. Gen. Gerald Donohue, AMC’s Director
For more than 60 years, the Air Force's airlift fleet has been a critical component of global power projection, a force multiplier empowering rapid deployment, force generation, sustainment and joint operations. Given this contested environment and the modernization of adversaries’ capabilities, the
As it continues to build the force it will need for the future, the U.S. Air Force understands that predicting every possible scenario it may encounter is just not possible. That is why Air Mobility Command, the nation’s rapid global airlift enterprise, is exploring and testing new tactics,
U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules crews from the 19th Airlift Wing conduct training operations at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., April 2025. Tactical airlift enables the rapid delivery of medical aid, humanitarian relief and combat support across the globe—often within 48 hours of
As the Department of the Air Force faces the increasing demands of modern warfare, it's working to equip Airmen with advanced skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. To maximize the benefits of these tools, digital literacy —understanding how to use digital technologies
Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, and Dr. Yolanda Williams, AU provost and institutional accreditation administrator, discuss the differences between education and training and what each prepare Airmen to do.
Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, and Dr. Yolanda Williams, AU provost and institutional accreditation administrator, discuss the significance of changing from Air Education and Training Command to Airman Development Command.
Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, and Col. Damian Schlussel, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education commander, discuss the importance of discipline and being ready to train on day one.
Col. Damian Schlussel, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, discuss the significance of an all-volunteer force and the magnitude of every Airman's commitment to serve.
Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, David Bonner, AU chief historian, and Col. Damian Schlussel, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education commander, explain why professional military education course curriculums must be relevant to every Airman's role as a
Senior Master Sgt. Kayleigh McAviney, Warrant Officer Training School operations superintendent, and David Bonner, Air University chief historian, discuss the history and significance of Air Force warrant officers.
Col. Damian Schlussel, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Stefan Blazier, Air University command chief, explain the origins of the new Foundations courses and their role in deliberate development.
Col. Eugene Moore III, Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps headquarters commander, explains where AFROTC has come from and why lieutenants are being developed differently.