The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation Podcast

Space is no longer operating quietly in the background—it is shaping military operations every day. In this edition of the Schriever Spacepower Series, Brig. Gen. Todd Benson discusses how the Space Force is delivering combat power across the U.S. Central Command theater. From missile defense and regional deterrence to commercial capabilities and coalition operations, this conversation offers a rare operational perspective on how space has become indispensable to modern warfare.

The Air Force is modernizing just about all of its major mission areas: next-generation aircraft, two legs of the triad and NC3, weapons, command and control, and more. This means the folks at Edwards Air Force Base and the rest of the test enterprise are charging hard. Join us for a conversation with Brig Gen Massaro that you won’t want to miss.

The nation that can move information faster, more securely, and more reliably will hold a critical advantage in future conflict. Join the Mitchell Institute's Explorer Chair Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), General Atomics’ Brent Marquand, and Mitchell Institute's Senior Resident Fellow Jennifer Reeves for a discussion on the technologies, architectures, and decisions shaping the future of military space communications.

Join the Mitchell Institute as we host Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command. We will be discussing service plans for the development, production, fielding, sustainment, and modernization of the Air Force fighter portfolio, which includes the A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, F-47, FQ-42, FQ-44, other collaborative combat aircraft, and special programs. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss regarding one of the Air Force’s most important mission areas.

United States Air Force forward operating installations face a grave threat given air and missile threats, especially when it comes to small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV). Recent combat events in places like Ukraine and the Middle East highlight the significance of this threat. It's time to pursue new operational concepts, tactics, and procure necessary technologies to mitigate this threat.

Join us for the release of the Mitchell Institute’s newest report exploring how the U.S. Air Force can address the sUAV threat, Defeating the Drones: The Airman’s Imperative to Defend Against Small UAV, by Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow for the Mitchell Institute Center for Unmanned and Autonomy Studies.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.), former commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will join the Mitchell Institute to provide his unique perspectives and insights on the report’s findings and recommendations.

Few regions are as strategically significant as the Pacific. The persistent challenges posed by adversaries like China and North Korea, the critical importance of alliances and partnerships, and the sheer scale of projecting airpower across this expansive theater make it one of the most complex and consequential areas of responsibility in the world today. Gen. Schneider is responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam. Join us as Gen. Schneider provides an update on airpower and the Pacific theater.

Combat Forces Command is responsible for generating, presenting, and sustaining combat-ready space control, global operations, and combat service support forces capable of defending the nation’s interests in, from, and to space. Lt. Gen. Gagnon’s insights and deep connections with the intelligence community will paint a clear picture of the evolving threat environment and the Space Force’s ability to maintain space superiority for the nation and its warfighters.

Autonomy and AI dominate the defense debate. Whether talking about next generation collaborative combat aircraft, command and control decision making aids, or cyberspace tools–there’s no question that these technologies are reshaping national security.

Frank Kendall will join us to discuss this topic, which he explored in his recently released book “Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It Or Not.”

During his tenure as the 26th United States Secretary of the Air Force, Kendall was at the leading edge of this discussion. A veteran of the defense industry and former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, he spent his tenure overseeing the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force through a major modernization effort focused on strategic competition. Join us for this important discussion.

Lt. Gen. Steve Whitney serves as the Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8. In this position, he oversees the development of capabilities, conducts studies and assessments, and evaluates plans and programs for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also serves as Secretary of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and Chairman of the Joint Capabilities Board. Lt. Gen. Whitney plays an important role in ensuring that the Air Force and Space Force are properly sized and resourced for future conflicts. He also brings valuable insights from his extensive acquisition experience. Join us for what will be a fascinating discussion with one of the senior Guardians on the Joint Staff.

Through authorization and appropriation, Congress holds the definitive power to shape military growth and readiness. As the nation’s youngest and smallest service, it is vital for the Space Force to have effective advocacy on the Hill. Leading this effort are Brigadier General Nikki Frankino, Legislative Liaison for the U.S. Space Force and Ms. Melissa Blakesly, the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. From budget priorities and force design to long-term strategic objectives, congressional decisions will play a decisive role in determining how the Space Force develops in the years ahead. Join us for an inciteful discussion on their work, priorities, and impact shaping the Space Force at this historic moment.