Air Force Doctrine Podcast

This special episode features General Mike Minihan, the Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC*). With what some see as his provocative “Mobility Manifesto,” General Minihan challenged his Airmen to “explode in theater, sense and seize opportunities, and focus on lethality.” In our conversation, we discuss “Beyond the Manifesto” and focus on joint force maneuver and the assertion that “mobility is the most relied-upon force in the history of warfare.” We explore lessons learned from Operation Allies Refuge (U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan), the recent Pacific Mobility Guardian Exercise, and his approach to risk as an art, and why leadership matters. *AMC serves as U.S. Transportation Command’s air component, executing the air mobility mission in support of the joint force, allies, and partners with a fleet of nearly 1,100 aircraft and approximately 107,000 active-duty, guard, and reserve Airmen and civilians. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

Get smart about AIRPOWER in the Pacific theater of WWII! This episode features Dr. Robert Muller, Professor of Military History at the US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), as we discuss GENERAL GEORGE C. KENNEY, commander of the Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area of World War II. We focus on Gen Kenney’s approach to LEADERSHIP, COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2), and LEADING UP AND DOWN the chain of command. We discuss how Gen Kenney “handled” GEN MacArthur and how he prioritized giving 100 Bulova watches to aircraft maintainers instead of pilots. We talk about influences on General Kenney's leadership and professional development, his implementation of MISSION COMMAND principles, and his use of AIR TASK FORCES (ATF) to command allied airpower in the vast expanses of the South Pacific, and how they relate to the USAF’s current efforts to revive the ATF construct. Books mentioned “to learn more:” “MacArthur’s Airman: Gen George C. Kenney and the War in Southwest Pacific” by Thomas E. Griffith, and “General Kenney Reports: A Personal History of the Pacific War,” by George C. Kenney and George Churchill. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

This special episode features General James C. Slife, the newly appointed Air Force Vice Chief of Staff (VCSAF). Gen Slife explains the current strategic environment and how it's influencing some of the largest structural and organizational changes in Air Force history. Join us as Gen Slife breaks down Air Task Forces, Air Force Force Generation, Multi-Capable Airmen, Composite Wings, and how they all fit together. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

We explore the Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) world with Colonel Joshua Koslov, Commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing (350 SWW). Col Koslov provides immense clarity and education on this rapidly evolving and immensely important Air Force and Joint mission. As the 350 SWW Commander, Col Koslov leads the wing’s primary mission to provide rapid electronic combat power to combatant commanders along the entire competition continuum in peacetime, crisis, and war. He also advises the USAF Warfare Center commander and senior leaders of the Department of the Air Force on the integration of technology, policy, and operations, enabling forces to attain electromagnetic spectrum superiority. Colonel Koslov has commanded in combat three times across the squadron and group levels, most notably as the 609 AOC Commander, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where his team executed Operation ALLIES REFUGE, the largest non-combatant evacuation in history. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

On this episode of “Deciphering Doctrine,” we pick apart the operational level of war and Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) with LeMay Center’s own Dr. Dan, “Bookem” Jordan. We discussed the linkages between tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war and the enormous difference between counterinsurgency operations of the past and LSCO of the future, including why “Afghanistan 10x” is not an accurate illustration of a war with China or Russia. Dr. Jordan is a retired Air Force colonel and fighter pilot. His experience includes serving as the Command Director for NORAD and assistant professor at the US Army’s Command and Staff College and the Baltic Defense College in Estonia. You can download Dr. Jordan’s book, Operational Art and the Campaigns for Mobile, 1864-65: A Staff Ride Handbook for free https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/operational-art-and-the-campaigns-for-mobile-bay-1864-to-1865-staff-ride-handbook.pdf

This episode features Colonel (retired) Matt “El Cid” Neunswander as he discusses his role in Operation Anaconda in March of 2002. El Cid and I discuss his lessons learned on leadership, mission command, and risk - from his personal experience of setting up forward-operating-bases, or contingency locations – first at Jacobabad, Pakistan, and subsequently at Bagram AFB, Afghanistan. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency. Podcasts referenced Lessons From The Cockpit on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lessons-from-the-cockpit/id1584257167 Modern War Institute on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/modern-war-institute/id1079958510

This unique episode was recorded at the Air University booth at the 2023 Air and Space Forces Association Conference. The AFA conference afforded us the unique opportunity to sit down with three of the top Airmen involved in developing the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. Please join us as we discuss ACE and its enablers - why multi-capable Airmen (MCA), tailorable force packages, and mission command are so vital to its success. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

This episode features U.S. Air Force Major Daniel J. Jackson and examines lessons learned from the China, Burma, India (CBI) theater in the period leading up to and including WWII. Maj Jackson’s extensive research and key insights into the application of airpower can provide listeners insights from the CBI theater that still apply to modern Air Force strategy and operations, including: agile combat employment (ACE), personnel recovery (PR), irregular warfare (IR), and the role of relationships. Maj Jackson has published three books about World War II in China: The Forgotten Squadron, Famine, Sword, and Fire, and Fallen Tigers: The Fate of Americas’ Missing Airmen in China During World War II. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

Highlights from Air Force Doctrine Publication 1-1, Mission Command https://www.doctrine.af.mil Music Credits: 'Goliath' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

This episode of the Lessons Learned in Doctrine series coincides with the release of AFDP 1-1 Mission Command, available at https://www.doctrine.af.mil In this episode, I sit down with retired Lieutenant General Marshall “Brad” Webb and discuss his experience as an MH-53 pilot and mission commander in responding to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Gen Webb relates how he answered to the call to "Go help Americans" to the principles of Mission Command and the attributes of a mission command culture. Please join us! As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

On this episode of the Deciphering Doctrine series, we interview the top three authors of our Inspiring Doctrinal Innovation essay contest. They explore how the AF should adapt to the changing character of war. Themes include removing stovepipes in the AOC and planning process, broadening the scope of irregular warfare, and modernizing information operations. The diverse background of the authors can provide listeners key insights into how AF doctrine may need to adapt for the future of warfare. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force, the Department of Defense, or any government agency.

On this episode of deciphering doctrine, I sit down with doctrine analyst Bob Christensen and discuss just what is this thing we call doctrine. Bob’s extensive experience as a doctrine analyst spans over two decades, making him the ideal candidate to inform our listeners of the uniqueness of doctrine. Bob touches on several nuances of doctrine, explains the difference between policy and doctrine, and highlights how doctrine serves as the “box to think outside of.” Please join us as we explore “What is Air Force Doctrine?” As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and the views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In this third episode of Lesson Learned in Doctrine, I invited Dr. Josh Sipper, Professor of Cyber Studies at Air Command and Staff College, back to discuss the way operations in the information environment (OIE) in Ukraine are highlighting changes in the character of war that will eventually shape future doctrine. Our conversation explores a range of topics to include lessons learned in utilizing OIE prior to a conflict and the importance of cultural understanding in the information domain. Please join us. As a reminder to all listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In this episode of our Deciphering Doctrine series, we interview Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Jason Sells on the origin and future of the multi-capable Airman (MCA) concept. Chief Sells has been involved with the creation and development of the MCA concept since its inception and currently leads the Air Force’s MCA development working group at Headquarters Air Force. Discussion items include the connection between MCA, agile combat employment (ACE), and mission command, as well as upcoming guidance regarding the implementation of MCA throughout the force. As a reminder to listeners all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In the second episode of "Lessons Learned in Doctrine," our panel examines the role of Air Power in the period leading up to World War II and discusses how these lessons can be applied to the context of our current return to great power competition (GPC). The guests on this episode are Dr. Richard Mue, a Professor at the USAF School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS) at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, specializing in the history of air power and World War II, and Dr. Dan "Book'em" Jordan, who currently serves as a joint and multinational doctrine specialist at the Air Force's LeMay Center for doctrine development. As a reminder to listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In this first episode of our new series, “Lessons Learned in Doctrine,” we examine the application of Air Force doctrine during the operation to withdraw personnel from Afghanistan in August of 2020. Key insights include increased friction due to undefined command relationships and a degraded ability to communicate and trade data, ultimately preventing the establishment of a common operating picture. Yet despite these short comings, the overall success of the Kabul Airlift highlights the deep professionalism, skill, and dedication of US contingency response forces and air mobility personnel. Please join us as we examine the Kabul Airlift and learn how Air Force doctrine can be applied to future operations. As a reminder to listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In this first episode of our new series, “Lessons Learned in Doctrine,” we examine the application of Air Force doctrine during the operation to withdraw personnel from Afghanistan in August of 2020. Key insights include increased friction due to undefined command relationships and a degraded ability to communicate and trade data, ultimately preventing the establishment of a common operating picture. Yet despite these short comings, the overall success of the Kabul Airlift highlights the deep professionalism, skill, and dedication of US contingency response forces and air mobility personnel. Please join us as we examine the Kabul Airlift and learn how Air Force doctrine can be applied to future operations. As a reminder to listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we talk with Colonel Anthony Sampson, the Air University Cyber Chair and Air War College Instructor, and Mr. KC Brooks from the LeMay Center on transitioning from a two-decade conflict in the middle east to great power competition (GPC). The group discusses the mindset and training transitions required by military members and planners accustomed to operating in a permissive environment to a future conflict environment that will likely be heavy in cyber operations against a peer competitor. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to access 3-12 Cyberspace Operations as well as other USAF doctrine publications and additional links to learn more about topics discussed in this podcast. As a reminder to listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense. Guests or hosts of the podcast may use call signs, and omit first and last names as desired, for operational security or safety concerns.

In this special edition episode, we interview Naval Postgraduate School Professor Emeritus Dr. John Arquilla as a kick-off event to our first bi-annual Inspiring Doctrinal Innovation essay contest. The contest is open to all Department of the Air Force personnel. It offers the top paper a cash prize and publication opportunities for up to 20 quality papers for discussing how a specific USAF operational doctrine will need to change, or a new doctrine adopted, due to the changing character of war expected over the next 10 years. See the MGMWERX link below for further contest details to be released TBD. Dr. Arquilla is a former RAND Corporation analyst and Pentagon advisor. He has been researching and writing about the changing character of war for decades. In this episode, he shares his revelations and approaches to identifying the doctrine, organization, and technology changes that have occurred. He also suggests how Airmen can analyze the constants, trends, and shocks in developing new doctrine, choosing new technology, and shifting to new organizational forms. Links to the essay contest and writings discussed in the PODCAST are below: MGMWERX - https://mgmwerx.org/ Dr. Arquilla's books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Arquilla/author/B001HMRP6M?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Technology Strategy Thesis - https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/70772 Trevor Dupuy - https://www.amazon.com.au/Evolution-Weapons-Warfare-Trevor-Dupuy/dp/0306803844

In this episode, we host Dr. Joshua Sipper, Professor of Cyber Warfare studies at Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL. He currently runs the operational track of the cyber specialization to include courses on cyber ISR and cyber electromagnetic warfare. Before ACSC and the AF Cyber Warfare College, he worked at the LeMay Center and has a background in doctrine development. The group discusses information operations (IO) and campaigns, using information to influence operations across environments, and how IO will be employed in the future concerning Agile Combat Employment (ACE). Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to access 3-13 Operations in the Information Environment, other USAF doctrine publications, and additional links to learn more about topics discussed in this podcast. As a reminder to listeners, all topics discussed are UNCLASSIFIED, and views expressed by guests or hosts are not necessarily the position of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense. Guests or hosts of the podcast may use call signs, and omit first and last names as desired, for operational security or safety concerns.