Prepared to solve the unknown problems of tomorrow
The Academy acknowledges our nation is in an era of great power competition, where our freedom to operate in the air and in space cannot be taken for granted — We must accelerate change or lose. The Academy will do just that; develop innovative, creative, and bold thinkers and leaders, prepared to solve the unknown problems of tomorrow.
IFC IDE major wins CNAS fellowship
Maj. Jamil Brown, an IFC fellow was recently named as a CNAS Next Generation National Security Fellows. Every year, the Center for a New American Security selects a bipartisan group of 20-25 emerging national security leaders between the ages of 27 to 35 to participate in the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Program. This year-long, part-time professional development fellowship aims to bring together young professionals across sectors within the national security field to learn best practices and lessons in leadership.
Post-doc attends Uganda IED strategy meeting
One of the IFC post-doctoral fellows, Dr. Whitney Grespin, attended the Kampala-Uganda Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Security Sector Program’s third Technical Committee Meeting as part of the development for the regional strategy on Countering Improvised Explosive Devices. The program is conducting a threat assessment in the IGAD region that leads to development of a comprehensive sub-regional C-IED strategy for IGAD and its Member States.
Two new PhDs join IFC
The IFC recently hired two new additions. Kyleanne Hunter, PhD, will serve as the IFC’s Associate Director. Ky is a Marine Corps combat veteran with multiple combat deployments as an AH-1W “Super Cobra” attack pilot. Recently she was an Assistant Professor of Military and Strategic Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Anthony Tingle, PhD, will serve as the IFC’s Program Director. Tony recently retired from the Army as a space operations officer, and writes on DoD science and technology policy.
USAFA conducts curriculum review with eye to the future
Faculty conducted a comprehensive curriculum review focused on the application of future conflict throughout the USAFA spectrum of learning. This review was briefed to senior Academy advisors. Additionally, the IFC Director briefed MSS department students on events in Ukraine and Taiwan, and how these events relate to future conflict.
Innovation expert visits USAFA
Katherine Tobin, Head of Workspace Innovation at Google, visited USAFA in early December to share her insights about innovation with the Department of Military & Strategic Studies, as well as meeting with leadership from the Institute for Future Conflict, CyberWorx, and the Center for Character and Leadership Development.
Institute for Future Conflict Discusses China's Military Threat
The National Character and Leadership Symposium in partnership with the Institute for Future Conflict explored the strategic, tactical and ethical implications of warfare with a focus on the challenges presented by China. To read more, click here, and to watch, click here.
Two post-doctoral fellows join IFC
In August 2021, the Institute for Future Conflict hired two of what will eventually be four post-doctoral fellows. Dr Whitney Grespin and Dr Rob Wolverton will be assigned to various academic departments but will research topics in support of IFC objectives. Specifically, Dr Grespin will be investigating topics as they relate to the human domain and how that impacts future conflict. While Dr Wolverton will be investigating subject areas that related to how data science and information have to play in future conflict. The IFC has been deliberate about coordinating with organizations across the DoD and academia to identify emerging areas of concern with respect to national security.
Strategy and Warfare Center introduces new lab
In April 2020, senior leaders from the U.S. Air Force Academy walked through the Academy’s Strategy and Warfare Center’s future location of the Multi-Domain Lab. The lab is set to be completed in Fall 2021 and consists of two scalable suites, each with a fully integrated Joint All-Domain Operations Center, a flight bay, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft stations. The Strategy and Warfare Center and IFC partner to provide cadets the skills necessary to lead warfighting elements in the 21st century. To learn more, click here.
Homeland Defense Institute established to protect North America
The Institute for Future Conflict and U.S. Northern Command/NORAD have partnered to establish the Homeland Defense Institute (HDI). Much like the IFC, the HDI will focus USAFA’s talented cadets and faculty towards researching and solving conflicts and threats to the North American homeland. The HDI is expected to be up and running by June 2021. To read more about what the HDI is doing, click here.
IFC announces 4 post-doctoral fellowships
As the IFC stands up, one of the primary objectives is to bring new research opportunities to USAFA cadets and faculty concerning future conflict. As part of that effort, the IFC will be announcing the award of 4 post-doctoral fellowships to various academic departments for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. The fellows will spend a year researching future conflict topics, providing academic instruction, and overseeing cadet research. The topics cover everything from war gaming and behavioral science to AI and space operations.
Summer Innovation Course introduces cadets to future conflict
The IFC is focused on imparting upon cadets the skills necessary to lead warfighting elements in the 21st century. As a result, starting in the summer of 2021, rising three-degrees (sophomores) will spend two days learning about future conflict, emerging challenges, and how to apply the skills taught at USAFA to future conflict problem sets. To learn more, click here.
Platform One offers cadets exposure to real-world cyber threats
The IFC has partnered with the DoD’s Platform One organization to develop a cadet summer research opportunity where cadets can learn about agile cyber solution development while tackling real-world problems presented to the DoD cyber community. This experience is provided virtually and sponsored by IFC.
IFC Director to speak at School of Advanced Air and Space Studies
To continue to raise awareness and showcase the benefits the IFC and USAFA bring to the Department of Defense, the IFC recently briefed the Chief of Staff of the Air Force on how USAFA is “Educating for the Future Fight.” Additionally, Lt Gen (ret) Shwedo, the IFC Director, has been invited to speak to the graduating class of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies at Maxwell AFB, AL on 9 June 2021 about the role the leaders of today have regarding preparing our military for future conflict.