RAND Air and Space Research Forum

Seven F-35 Lightning IIs wait to take off for a U.S. Air Force Weapons School training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, photo by William Lewis/U.S. Air Force

Program

In February 2024, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall announced a major restructuring of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to meet the challenges of great power competition. This goal permeates every part of the DAF enterprise. This year’s RAND Air and Space Research Forum will feature a series of discussions with experts on how the strategic landscape is evolving and what that future means for DAF force design, workforce, and critical operations.

To facilitate an open and timely exchange of ideas and information, this event is open to DAF and DoD uniformed and civilian personnel, and employees of RAND only. The event will take place in person only and will not be recorded.

Agenda

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Check-In

• Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 8:05 a.m.

Introductory Remarks

• James Chow

8:05 – 8:45 a.m.

Keynote Speaker

• Gen James "Jim" Slife, Vice Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Panel 1: The "New Axis of Evil"? The Future for China-Russia-Iran-DPRK Cooperation (UNCLASSIFIED)

• Moderator: Raphael Cohen
• Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga ; Alexandra Evans; Dara Massicot; Ambassador Eric Edelman (U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, 2003–2005; U.S. Ambassador to Finland, 1998–2001)

9:45 – 10:00 a.m.

Break and Networking

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Panel 2: Talent for the Future: Implications of Great Power Competition (UNCLASSIFIED)

• Moderator: Miriam Matthews
• John Ausink; Dave Ochmanek; Don Snyder; Carrie Waltz (HAF AF/A1P)

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Break and Networking

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Panel 3: Implications of Red Logistics for USAF Planning (CLASSIFIED//NOFORN)

• Moderator: Patrick Mills
• Cristina Garafola; Joslyn Fleming; Maj Gen Jeffrey King (USAF/A4L); Bradley Martin

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Break for lunch

• Boxed lunches will be available for a suggested donation of $15

1:15 – 2:15 p.m.

Panel 4: DAF Force Design for Great Power Competition (CLASSIFIED)

• Moderator: James Chow
• Maj Gen R. Scott Jobe (HAF/A57); Kristin Lynch; George Nacouzi; Dave Ochmanek; Dr. Russell Partch (USSF/SWAC)

2:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Break and Networking

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Panel 5: Modernizing Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations: Lessons from Ukraine and Perspectives for Great Power Competition (CLASSIFIED//NOFORN)

• Moderator: Sherrill Lingel
• Jair Aguirre; Brig Gen (S) Leslie Hauck (HAF/A2/6L); Nicholas O'Donoughue; Andrew Radin

3:30 p.m.

Forum Ends

Register for This Program

Please register online to attend. Contact pafforumteam@rand.org with questions about the event.