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United States Air Force

United States Air Force

RAND has performed analyses for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) since it became an independent nonprofit organization in 1948. Today, RAND Project AIR FORCE conducts research on such topics as ways USAF can attract future leaders, how it can best acquire new equipment, and how it can best organize its active and reserve units.

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Expert Insights

Sep 15, 2026

Reimagining Air Base Defense in an Era of Drones and Strategic Inflection

The author examines the U.S. Air Force’s challenges and options as it faces emerging aerial threats, especially small drones. The analysis highlights the need for new capabilities, integration, and clear authority to secure future air base defense.
Expert Insights

Aug 11, 2026

Modernizing Department of the Air Force Training and Education Approaches: Leveraging Stackable Certificates for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies

Stackable certificate programs in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies could build technological fluency in U.S. Department of the Air Force critical missions and career fields and modernize existing professional military education.
Research

Aug 5, 2026

A Portfolio Assessment Approach to Inform Resource Allocation Decisions

The authors describe a structured process for evaluating portfolios within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process, which can help support resource allocation in cross-cutting portfolios.
Research

Aug 3, 2026

Unraveling the Complex Logistics in Support of Agile Combat Employment (ACE) Operations in the Indo-Pacific

This article examines the logistics challenges of Agile Combat Employment operations in the Indo-Pacific, spanning enterprise coordination, transportation and distribution, spare parts, prepositioning, and airbase air defense.
Project

Jul 9, 2026

RAND Space Enterprise Initiative

The RAND Corporation's Space Enterprise Initiative--a new virtual center--is a one-stop shop for space research and related activities across RAND. Led by Bruce McClintock, a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, the Initiative provides a seamless way for U.S. and allied defense leaders to learn about RAND's space work, both previous and ongoing, and to launch new coordinated efforts.
Expert Insights

Jul 8, 2026

Private Industry Approaches to Network and Security Operations Centers: Best Practices for the Department of the Air Force

The authors describe how private companies structure, organize, and staff network and security operations centers, highlighting practices that could be applied to the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to modernize command and control.
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.
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.
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

Building the Knowledge and Skills the U.S. Air Force Needs for Strategic Competition with China: Sharpening the Sword and Burnishing the Shield

The authors assess how the U.S. Air Force develops and utilizes China-relevant expertise and identify systemic gaps that limit the service’s ability to build, sustain, and use the capabilities needed for long-term strategic competition with China.
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.

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