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 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.

This week we discuss mental health, along with the services available to Airmen & Guardians, with a unique perspective from a medical provider. Capt Aaron Morrison, a clinical psychologist, stationed at Kirtland AFB, NM, sat down to talk about when someone should seek help, removing the stigma with mental health services, and discussing the range of care options provided to active-duty members and dependents. Visit https://www.resilience.af.mil/ for help with spouse/family resources, resilience, suicide prevention, domestic violence/abuse, and sexual assault/harassment. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to access AFDP 4-02 Health Services, 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.

Join us this week as students of Squadron Officer School interview Maj Samory A. Abdul-Raheem to discuss Multi-Capable Airman (MCA). Maj Abdul-Raheem provides unique insight into how his team was involved in establishing MCA training for a unit in PACAF from the ground up, the challenges they faced, and what integrated MCA training may look like for future Airman. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to read AFDN 1-21 Agile Combat Employment, AFDP 3-99 Joint All-Domain Ops, 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.

Join us this week as students of Squadron Office school interview CMSgt Kerry Thompson (42d Security Forces Squadron, Maxwell AFB) and Mr. KC Brooks (LeMay Center). The panel discusses ACE as it applies to Security Forces Airmen and identifies areas where defenders will need to focus in preparing for operations under the ACE scheme of maneuver. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to access AFDP 3-10 Force Protection, 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.

Join us this week as we sit down with Lt Col Justin D. Settles, Deputy Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) to discuss Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and China’s reaction to its development. Further topics include the link between Command and Control (C2) and Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO), the difficulties of logistics operations in ACE, and how ACE will impact Airman of all ranks in current and future operational environments. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to read AFDN 1-21 Agile Combat Employment and AFDP 3-99 Joint All-Domain Ops, 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.

Join us this week as students of Squadron Officer School interview Dr. Jeffrey M. Reilly to discuss Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO). They define JADO, cover its importance to current and future Airman, how it differs from concepts used in other services, and the path towards JADO joint doctrine. Visit https://www.doctrine.af.mil/ to read AFDP 3-99 Joint All-Domain Ops, 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 inaugural episode of Deciphering Doctrine, our host, Captain Mary Belviso, interviews Major General William Holt, Commander of the LeMay Center. They discuss some of the latest updates in Air Force operational doctrine: Air Force Doctrine Publication 1, The Air Force; emerging doctrine. Doctrine Note 1-21, Agile Combat Employment; and other ongoing rewrites. They also discuss why Airmen should care about doctrine and the relationship between doctrine, policy, and strategy. SOS AUAR Students: Captain Mary Belviso, Captain Benjamin Fingerle, Captain Jeffrey Martinez, Captain Kyle Meade, Captain Kyle Stutzman, Captain Andrew White