Project AIR FORCE Research and Commentary

Expert Insights

Jul 8, 2026

Private Industry Approaches to Network and Security Operations Centers

The ways private companies structure, organize, and staff network and security operations centers offer lessons the Department of the Air Force can use to protect its own networks as it modernizes command and control.
Research Summary

Jun 24, 2026

Building a Warrior Ethos: How the Air Force Is Rewiring Identity to Move from Function to Mission

This brief summarizes RAND research on the U.S. Air Force’s efforts to develop Airminded Warriors in Basic Military Training (BMT). Lessons from BMT’s PACER FORGE offer insights for organizations seeking to build shared identity among their members.
Research

Jun 24, 2026

Cultivating a Warrior Ethos in the Air Force: Strategies for Developing Airminded Warriors in Initial Training

RAND researchers examined how the U.S. Air Force can cultivate an Airminded Warrior identity, finding that the concept requires more development. They recommend several actions to strengthen this identity’s development in initial training and beyond.
Expert Insights

May 12, 2026

Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024

This paper compiles open-source data on the evolution of Chinese and U.S. military capabilities from 2017 to 2024.
Expert Insights

May 6, 2026

Build Partner Airpower, Not Air Forces: Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations from the American Experience of Building the Iraqi and Afghan Air Forces

This paper examines lessons from U.S. efforts to build air forces in Iraq and Afghanistan during counterinsurgency operations from 2004 to 2021. The author offers recommendations for aviation security force assistance missions in irregular warfare.
Research

Apr 14, 2026

What Knowledge and Skills Does the U.S. Air Force Need to Compete with China?

The U.S. Air Force faces a critical opportunity—and urgent necessity—to systematically cultivate, track, and integrate China-relevant expertise across its workforce. This includes language skills, cultural understanding, and regional knowledge.
Apr 10, 2026

RAND Research on Workforce and Force Development Innovation: Supporting the U.S. Space Force Transformation Toward the Objective Force

This document offers a roadmap of how RAND Project AIR FORCE’s Workforce, Development, and Health program can continue to support the U.S. Space Force in its transformation to a warfighting force purpose-built to contest and control space.
Research

Mar 31, 2026

Air Force Assignment Durations: Modeling Policy Changes and Their Effects on Cost, Readiness, and Retention

Permanent change of station moves drive significant U.S. Air Force costs and create disruption for individuals and units. RAND researchers modeled and analyzed policy options to extend assignment durations and optimize cost, readiness, and retention.
Research

Mar 31, 2026

A Selection of Implementable Actions to Establish an Air Force Workforce Analytics Center of Excellence

The authors supported the efforts of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Resources (AF/A1) to strengthen the workforce analytics enterprise’s contributions into Headquarters Air Force decisionmaking processes.
Research

Mar 31, 2026

Modifying Air Force Intelligence Career Development in Response to Targeted Permanent Change of Station Reductions

In response to the U.S. Department of War's directive for military services to reduce permanent change of station moves, RAND authors examined the effects of such changes on career development pathways for U.S. Air Force intelligence service members.
Research

Mar 31, 2026

Considering U.S. Air Force Culture When Modifying Career Development Pathways for Longer Assignments

The U.S. Department of War directed the military services to reduce the number of permanent changes of station and modify career development pathways. The authors evaluated the relationship between U.S. Air Force assignments and career development.
Research

Mar 25, 2026

Achieving Combat Sortie Generation Proficiency in the Air Force: An Examination of Goals, Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions

The authors present their analysis of combat sortie generation proficiency as a step toward defining a comprehensive training program for the U.S. Air Force. The analysis covers threat demands, goals, existing gaps, and training needs.

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Research & Commentary

Featured

Private Industry Approaches to Network and Security Operations Centers

Private Industry Approaches to Network and Security Operations Centers

What Knowledge and Skills Does the U.S. Air Force Need to Compete with China?

Modeling Assignment Duration for the Department of the Air Force

China's National Security Decisionmaking

All PAF Research & Commentary

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Private Industry Approaches to Network and Security Operations Centers

Building a Warrior Ethos: How the Air Force Is Rewiring Identity to Move from Function to Mission

Cultivating a Warrior Ethos in the Air Force: Strategies for Developing Airminded Warriors in Initial Training

Key Changes in U.S. and Chinese Military Capabilities, 2017–2024

Build Partner Airpower, Not Air Forces: Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations from the American Experience of Building the Iraqi and Afghan Air Forces

What Knowledge and Skills Does the U.S. Air Force Need to Compete with China?

RAND Research on Workforce and Force Development Innovation: Supporting the U.S. Space Force Transformation Toward the Objective Force

Air Force Assignment Durations: Modeling Policy Changes and Their Effects on Cost, Readiness, and Retention

A Selection of Implementable Actions to Establish an Air Force Workforce Analytics Center of Excellence

Modifying Air Force Intelligence Career Development in Response to Targeted Permanent Change of Station Reductions

Considering U.S. Air Force Culture When Modifying Career Development Pathways for Longer Assignments

Achieving Combat Sortie Generation Proficiency in the Air Force: An Examination of Goals, Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions

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