The U.S. Air Force is making strides in combat readiness and deterrence, aligning with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s priorities to enhance warrior ethos, meritocracy, and homeland defense, according to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. Speaking at the 2025 Air and Space Forces Association’s Warfare Symposium, Allvin emphasized that these efforts will expand the president’s strategic options.
Reviving the warrior ethos, he said, means ensuring every airman understands their role in combat, unit cohesion, and mission expectations. Airmen continue to dominate the skies in the Middle East, strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and defend U.S. airspace through nuclear deterrence and air superiority exercises.
However, challenges remain. The Air Force maintains 20-30% excess infrastructure, which does not directly contribute to combat capability but still requires upkeep. Additionally, aging aircraft, increasing weapon sustainment costs, and the modernization of the nuclear triad are pressing concerns.
To counter evolving threats, the Air Force is integrating unmanned fighters, enhancing human-machine collaboration, and expanding autonomy in operations. As new leadership arrives, Allvin expects a directive to accelerate these initiatives.
Despite these hurdles, recruitment remains stronger than it has been in a decade, with more recruits in the delayed entry program than at any point in the past ten years.
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