Airman Magazine: The Future of the Air Force

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Tackling the changing environment through INNOVATION
  The Air Force excels at identifying adversaries and implementing strategies to successfully operate in any environment, but how do we adapt to the environment itself? More importantly, how is our infrastructure impacting the climate and what is being done to reduce our carbon footprint? The Air Force is the largest consumer of fossil fuels in the Department of Defense, but how can we reduce fuel consumption without compromising lethality and efficacy?
 
  The solution is innovation. Aligning Airmen with new technology and encouraging innovation creates opportunities for them to transport science fiction into reality.
   In this issue, we’ll take a look at how the Air Force is meeting these challenges around the globe. We’ll fly high into an episode of BLUE and get a look at some high and low tech solutions being implemented across the force. We’ll also dig into the historic modernization throughout the Indo-Pacific and the stomping grounds of the Unites States Air Force Academy, where the leaders of tomorrow are grown. All this and more in this issue of Airman Magazine.


 

  The Air Force excels at identifying adversaries and implementing strategies to successfully operate in any environment, but how do we adapt to the environment itself? More importantly, how is our infrastructure impacting the climate and what is being done to reduce our carbon footprint? The Air Force is the largest consumer of fossil fuels in the Department of Defense, but how can we reduce fuel consumption without compromising lethality and efficacy?

   The solution is innovation. Aligning Airmen with new technology and encouraging innovation creates opportunities for them to transport science fiction into reality.

  In this issue, we’ll take a look at how the Air Force is meeting these challenges around the globe. We’ll fly high into an episode of BLUE and get a look at some high and low tech solutions being implemented across the force. We’ll also dig into the historic modernization throughout the Indo-Pacific and the stomping grounds of the Unites States Air Force Academy, where the leaders of tomorrow are grown. All this and more in this issue of Airman Magazine.
 
 
 
 

BLUE:
Climate Action Plan

  Natural disasters are unpredictable and devastating. They take out power grids, leaving military bases vulnerable and unable to support and defend according to mission requirements.

How is the Air Force addressing this?

  The Climate Action Plan – guidance from the Secretary of the Air Force that describes a three-pronged approach to addressing climate change: increase capabilities, reduce emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

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Into the Future Skies: The Modernization Throughout the Pacific

  The Pacific Air Forces’ modernization efforts demonstrate its unwavering dedication to adapting, innovating and maintaining its edge in an ever-evolving world. These endeavors encompass not only the enhancement of physical infrastructure but also the embracement of green technologies and the cultivation of partnerships that ensure continued air space superiority in the Pacific for years to come.

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Virtual Reality Training Reduces Fuel Emissions

  With the development and implementation of virtual reality, the U.S. Air Force integrates virtual reality training with live training. This lowers the cost of fuel, reduces risk, and helps lower the amount of fuel emissions on the environment.

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BLUE:
Climate Action Plan

  Natural disasters are unpredictable and devastating. They take out power grids, leaving military bases vulnerable and unable to support and defend according to mission requirements.

How is the Air Force addressing this?

  The Climate Action Plan – guidance from the Secretary of the Air Force that describes a three-pronged approach to addressing climate change: increase capabilities, reduce emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Read More

 
 

 
 

Growing Tomorrow's Leaders Today

  In the face of constant environmental changes and geopolitical shifts, the Air Force Academy gracefully equips cadets with the knowledge and skills to effectively exploit topography and adapt to emerging challenges. Sustainability and resiliency principles are integrated to teach cadets about energy efficiency, renewable energy and other sustainable practices while preparing them to guard against potential infrastructure vulnerabilities.

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Energy Initiatives
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

 
 

Efficiency With Modern Materials

  New designs on the fan duct panel for the KC-135 Stratotanker address a water intrusion problem that causes delamination. This delamination causes sustainment, maintenance and energy efficiency problems. The modified panel fixes these issues utilizing modern materials. The fan-ducts are being installed by Airmen at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, as part of the Air Force’s focus on the Climate Action Plan.

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Energy Initiatives
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

 


Climate Action Plan
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE


Priority ONE

MAINTAIN AIR AND SPACE DOMINANCE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE RISKS

  Invest in climate-ready and resilient infrastructure and facilities so our installations are better able to project air and space combat power.


Priority TWO

MAKE CLIMATE INFORMED DECISIONS

  Develop a climate-informed workforce, integrate security implications of climate change into Department strategy, planning, training, and operations, and incorporate climate considerations into Department requirements, acquisition, logistics, supply chain processes, and wargaming.


Priority THREE

OPTIMIZE ENERGY USE AND PURSUE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

  Expand our operational capability and power projection to support operations globally while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting cost-competitive alternative energy sources.