The GovExec Space Project’s Post

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 While the Air Force — like the rest of the federal government — is waiting for Congress to pass a 2024 budget that will allow it to advance new programs and projects, the service is turning its attention to the 2025 budget and new priorities that will move beyond a focus on weapons and platforms to how those systems integrate to generate effects on the battlefield. Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, in a preview of what the service will be announcing when it releases its 2025 budget request, said readiness, power, projection, capabilities development and people are the four areas the service is focusing on going forward. Check out the full article (a 2-minute read) at this link: https://lnkd.in/eiQwiZvy 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦: 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘦

As the expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) draws near without the promise of a budget, cash flow optimization continues to be of emphasis within the Air Force not just to keep pace with our adversaries but to “keep the lights on.” This article discusses the impact of CR on Air Force and Space Force initiatives under the current fiscal environment.   #CAFDExExec  #ContinuingResolution #ContinuingResolution #AirForceFunding #CashFlowOptimization #FiscalResponsibility #MilitaryBudgets #GovernmentSpending #BudgetDeadlock https://lnkd.in/gMwgi5J5

We are releasing some fantastic new RAND analysis, from Megan McKernan and Stephanie Young on the DoD budgeting process. They led a multi-volume analysis of how we can learn from and partner with allies and partners to reform the DoD programming, planning, budgeting and execution process. Bottom line: the budgeting process needs to offer some stability to the US, allies and partners as they face a dangerous world with two peer adversaries that can centralize their defense resources and make sustained investments. Allies need to know where the US is headed. At the same time, the US and allies need a healthy dose of agility, too, so they can adjust fire when required. For this, we can look to other US agencies, like DHS and HHS, which have some flexible budgeting processes. Check out a summary here: https://lnkd.in/ezS7kagN and here is our detailed analysis: https://lnkd.in/ezS7kagN https://lnkd.in/eCPWAD2Y https://lnkd.in/eus5RSBu https://lnkd.in/e59eJF62 https://lnkd.in/ezZPtdpj

Speaking strictly as a Public Affairs Specialist, the Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment (SOIE) solidifies that Public Affairs and Information Operations should fall under one umbrella. One of the core competencies of PA is engaging in global deterrence and influence; so it only seems appropriate to have a chair at the “information force” table – joined by the likes of psychological operations, civil affairs, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations, cyberspace and space. Simply put, the SOIE calls for the “integration of informational and physical power” in order to “build enduring advantages as described in the 2022 National Defense Strategy.” That aforementioned union, the document goes on to state, should be the strategic norm moving forward. Again, strictly speaking as a PA type, this is a big deal. Information – communicating with a plan to be more precise – really is power. #InformationOperations #PublicAffairs

The Department of the Air Force unveiled a $217.5 billion budget request March 11, designed to continue modernizing the Air Force and Space Force, maintain readiness to respond to current threats, and address key capability gaps while investing to manage risks that are increasing with time... “I think that 2025, while difficult, is at a level that I think we can accept, and it will still allow us to make progress on the modernization we need...” The fiscal 2025 budget was built for each service’s unique mission. #billionproposal #Budget #Congress #FiscalYear2025 https://lnkd.in/gcmN4muB

Full-year appropriations are key to maintaining America's national security and safety. Congress must stop the delays to avoid: ❌ Weakened defense ❌ Compromised aviation safety ❌ Stalled space innovation Read AIA's full letter: https://bit.ly/3vDKrq7

Members of Congress want the Pentagon to do a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of the space functions conducted by the Air National Guard — and the possibility of moving those missions to the Space Force or creating a Space National Guard. Under the directive, which was included in the compromise draft of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, the secretary defense must conduct a study “to assess the feasibility and advisability of transferring all covered space functions of the National Guard to the Space Force,” according to the bill text. Read more from DefenseScoop https://lnkd.in/eGf653Vz

DOD Announces Release of 2023 Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment November 17, 2023, U.S. Department of Defense https://lnkd.in/e2cuJrJk Today, the Department of Defense released the 2023 Department of Defense Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment (SOIE).  The 2023 DOD SOIE will improve the Department's ability to plan, resource, and apply informational power toward integrated deterrence, campaigning, and building enduring advantage as described in the 2022 National Defense Strategy. This will enable the DOD to deter challenges to U.S. vital national interests in any arena or domain. Defense Strategy for Operations in the Information Environment (SOIE):https://lnkd.in/eq4mW3zw “The 2023 DoD SOIE focus is on increasing and balancing the institutional and operational synergy among military information support operations, civil affairs (CA), public affairs (PA), joint electromagnetic spectrum operations (JEMSO), cyberspace operations, space operations, special technical operations (STO), defense deception activities (DDA), operations security (OPSEC), new and emerging information activities, and other disciplines and the informational aspects of physical power.” “DoD integration of PA is a key component of OIE across the competition continuum.”

The $825 billion defense spending bill is likely to have substantial implications for the defense industry. It signals a robust investment in procurement and research and development, prioritizing modernization and readiness to address new global threats. This focus on enhancing capabilities, particularly in response to challenges posed by China, could drive innovation and growth within the sector. Companies involved in the production of submarines, missiles, and next-generation weapons systems may particularly benefit from increased funding. Moreover, the emphasis on multiyear contracts suggests a push for long-term projects and stability within the defense industry.

Something from the past that could be of use for the future (see my post from yesterday). With autonomous aircraft, I can’t help but wonder what if something like this could be more feasible. “Abstract: This document proposes a new way for NATO and U.S. forces to counter the growing Soviet conventional advantage in Europe. The proposal is an Inflight Rearming Aircraft capable fo rearming combat aircraft similar to the way theyre refueled in flight. In the past, NATOs relied on technological superiority to offset Soviet numerical advantages but that gap is narrowing fast. Therefore, NATO must continue to investigate new ways to maintain any technical edge it can. Central to any Soviet attack on the West will be the role played by Operational Maneuver Groups OMG which were characterized by speed and depth of penetration. These OMGs are characteristic of the blitzkrieg approach the Soviets will launch against NATO. Additionally, they symbolize just what NATO cannot afford to lose NATO cant trade space for time as the Soviets did in WWII. Therefore, a system such as a rearming aircraft can keep aircraft at the front longer to maintain an offensive or give continuous support to a defensive position. Todays Airland battle allows for emerging technologies to fit into any future plans. Inflight rearming will allow aircraft to be refitted close to the front like Army Combat vehicles are now. Another development of a rearming aircraft might be a hybrid design combining both refueling and rearming capabilities in a single aircraft. Such a plane, whether hybrid or not, would contribute significantly as a force multiplier to any conventional force.”