
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present The Aerospace Advantage, with former Air Force weapons school instructor and Thunderbird Lt Col (ret) John “Slick” Baum as the host. Every week, Slick will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.
Episodes

6 days ago
6 days ago
Episode Summary:
In Episode 157 of the Aerospace Advantage, Congressional Defense Update; B-21 First Flight; Spacepower Considerations, and a China Update: The Rendezvous, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with members of the Mitchell Institute team about the latest defense developments in the beltway and the broader national security community.
We discuss where defense bills stand in Congress and continuing resolution implications. Panelists also explore the latest developments regarding the B-21’s first flight and what the future will hold for the program. We also explain why the T-7’s arrival at Edwards is so important. The conversation then assesses the latest in spacepower news developments and wraps with an extensive national security assessment regarding China, especially the recent meeting between President Biden and President Xi. As always, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Credits:
Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Guest: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International
Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Episode 156 — 4th Gen to 5th Gen Air Combat Evolution: Operator Perspectives
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 156 of the Aerospace Advantage, 4th Gen to 5th Gen Air Combat Evolution: Operator Perspectives, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with two seasoned fighter pilots, Lt Col Gary Glojek and Lt Col Max Cover, about how modernization is impacting today’s Air Force flightlines. Specifically, they discuss how the combat Air Force inventory is evolving from a 4th generation force to one increasingly populated by 5th generation aircraft.
Types like the A-10, which have been in the Air Force inventory since the 1970s, are sunsetting. Others, like the F-16 will stay in the inventory for several more years, but in reduced quantities as F-35 numbers increase. Add this to the combination of F-22, F-35, B-2, and B-21, plus NGAD, and the Air Force is looking at a fundamentally reshaped combat inventory. This has major operational, tactical, and technological implications for how these forces train and execute missions. Given Cover’s time in the F-16 and F-35, plus Glojek’s time in the A-10, these two airmen are uniquely qualified to discuss this operational evolution.
Credits:
Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Col Maxwell "Efes" Cover, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Lt Col Gary "Plugger" Glojek, Air Force Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #4thGen #5thGen #transition
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Nov 18, 2023
Episode 155 — Evolution of Air Force Battle Management: Navigating Beyond JSTARS
Saturday Nov 18, 2023
Saturday Nov 18, 2023
Episode Summary:
In episode 155 of the Aerospace Advantage, Evolution of Air Battle Management: Navigating Beyond JSTARS, John “Slick” Baum talks to Mitchell Institute’s Doug Birkey and Lt Col Alex “Big Bobby” Wallis, a former JSTARS battle manager who currently serves as the Director of Plans at the 461st Air Control Wing at Robins Air Force Base.
JSTARS enabled Air Force battle managers to monitor surface targets, convert data into actionable insights, and exploit a comprehensive command and control system to make more effective decisions. This capability represented a fundamental transformation in modern combat operations. But given the JSTARS retirement, the Air Force is reshaping how it achieves these effects. The battle management mission will only become more vital as the Air Force moves toward more disaggregated operational concepts empowered by JADC2. This episode will explore this evolution and what it means for the future force.
Credits:
Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Lt Col Alex “Big Bobby” Wallis, Director of Plans, 461st Air Control Wing, Robins Air Force Base
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #report #military
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Nov 11, 2023
Saturday Nov 11, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 154 of the Aerospace Advantage, Understanding the Chinese Challenge: Assessing DoD’s Latest China Military Power Report, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies Mike Dahm about key trends and insights shaping the security picture in the Western Pacific and beyond.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall recently described what keeps U.S. military leaders awake: “China, China, China.” He’s right, the People’s Republic of China is growing its military capabilities at scale while its leaders are beginning to assert themselves in ways that often conflict with American interests and values. Each year, the Department of Defense produces an unclassified report for Congress to explain these variables: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. This episode explores the 2023 edition with our own China expert, Mike Dahm, providing unique insights and analysis. The conversation focuses on concerning air and space power trends, but also considers factors influencing China’s national security calculus.
Credits:
Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China #report #military
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Nov 04, 2023
Saturday Nov 04, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 153 of the Aerospace Advantage, Congressional Defense Update; Conflict in the Middle East; and a China Threat Update: The Rendezvous, Mitchell Institute’s John “Slick” Baum chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), China expert Mike Dahm, plus Washington insiders Anthony Lazarski and Todd Harmer about the latest developments in the beltway and the broader national security community.
We discuss what new leadership in the House of Representatives will mean for defense equities on The Hill, including the likelihood for another continuing resolution and the risks that will drive. Panelists also explore the latest developments regarding the conflict between Israel and Hamas, plus what this will mean for America’s broader national security interests around the globe. We wrap with an extensive national security assessment regarding China, especially given DoD’s newly released 2023 edition of Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China. As always, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Credits:
Host: John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: J. Michael Dahm, Senior Resident Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International
Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Rendezvous
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Oct 28, 2023
Episode 152 — Commander Conversation: The Future of French Airpower
Saturday Oct 28, 2023
Saturday Oct 28, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 152 of the Aerospace Advantage, Commander Conversation: The Future of French Airpower, John “Slick” Baum explores the future of fighter aviation with Maj Gen Jean-Luc Moritz, head of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program for the French Air and Space Force.
The FCAS is a next-generation fighter aircraft and the associated set of collaborative systems that France, Germany, and Spain are developing to replace types currently in service, like the Rafale, Typhoon, and Hornet. The U.S. Air Force has its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)—this is one of the European equivalents. The air superiority mission is critical for achieving success in modern warfare. Anyone who doubts the need for air superiority can see what has happened in Ukraine. Reverting to WWI-like trench warfare, with neither side controlling the sky, is beyond brutal. No one wins fighting like that, which is why it’s crucial to constantly push the state of the art with new design concepts, technologies, and employment concepts when it comes to next-generation fighter aircraft and associated systems. Join us to learn more from one of the key allied leaders charting the future of this crucial mission.
Credits:
Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Maj Gen Jean-Luc Moritz, Future Combat Air System Operational Project Director, French Air & Space Force
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #France #Europe #Airpower
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Oct 21, 2023
Episode 151 — The Backbone of Aerospace Production: Understanding the Supplier Base
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
Saturday Oct 21, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 151 of the Aerospace Advantage, The Backbone of Aerospace Production: Understanding the Supplier Base, John “Slick” Baum discusses what it’ll take to ensure America’s aerospace industrial base can meet demand with industry expert Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director at AeroDynamic Advisory, and Karl Hutter, President & CEO of Click Bond, a leading supplier.
The U.S. and its allies are in the middle of rebuilding their air forces to meet the challenges of an evolving threat environment. Considering that these countries largely still fly aircraft from the Cold War, the need for this modernization is acute. Everyone wants new aircraft now, but manufacturing lines can only accommodate so much, so fast—especially with a concurrent surge in demand for commercial airliners. Companies are trying to expand their capacity to produce, but that’s far easier said than done. In this episode, hear directly from the individuals deep in the industrial base who literally build the future of airpower—we’ll explore how they contribute, their strengths, and the risks that are in play so that we better understand what it’ll take to ensure we have an industrial base that can meet demand.
Credits:
Host: John "Slick" Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
Guest: Karl Hutter, President & CEO, Click Bond
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #space
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Episode 150 — The USSF’s Theory of Competitive Endurance: Expanding the Discussion
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 150 of the Aerospace Advantage, The USSF’s Theory of Competitive Endurance: Expanding the Discussion, Tim Ryan sits down with Brian “Flasher” Goodman, a seasoned space operator and Guardian; Tom “Pumper” Nichols, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at True Anomaly; and Mitchell’s Charles Galbreath to explore ideas around Competitive Endurance and how it can be applied in today’s contested space domain.
With threats on orbit on the rise, it is crucial to define this strategic concept and explore how it ties to key concepts integrated defense, space superiority, and maintaining the sustainability of the space domain. Additionally, our guests discuss the principles underpinning this theory—Avoiding Operational Surprise, Denting First-Mover Advantage, and Responsible Counterspace Campaigning. When Chief of Space Operations Gen “Salty” Saltzman released his vision, he also challenged Guardians and members of the space national security community to discuss and further develop a conceptual foundation. This is the first of what will be many future Mitchell discussions doing just that.
Credits:
Host: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, MI-SPACE
Guest: Brian “Flasher” Goodman, USSF
Guest: Tom “Pumper” Nichols, Chief Product Officer, True Anomaly
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #space
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Saturday Oct 07, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 149 of the Aerospace Advantage, Washington Drama, Boosting Defense Production, Spacepower Update, and Replicator: The Rendezvous, Mitchell Institute’s Doug Birkey chats with Lt Gen Dave Deptula, USAF (Ret.), spacepower expert Charles Galbreath, plus Washington insiders Anthony Lazarski and Todd Harmer about the latest developments in the beltway and the broader national security community.
We discuss the national security realities created by a continuing resolution and the looming potential of a government shut down, plus Secretary Kendall’s call for a Department of the Air Force reorganization and the latest developments in spacepower. We consider variables involved in Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment LaPlante’s call for increased defense production and cover Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks’ initiative termed “replicator,” followed by an update on developments in Ukraine. It has been a busy fall so far, so please join us for a very thought-provoking episode.
Credits:
Host: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Todd "Sledge" Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International
Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous
Thank you for your continued support!

Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Episode Summary:
In Episode 148 of the Aerospace Advantage, Understanding Hostilities in Space Short of War: Harnessing an Irregular Warfare Model on Orbit, Mitchell Institute’s Tim Ryan chats with Commander John ‘Patsy’ Klein, USN (Ret), a noted spacepower expert; Colonel El Gardner, Director Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans HQ USSF; and Henry Heren about what it means to successfully engage in an era of enduring competition in space.
The conversation focuses on the findings of Klein’s latest book, 'Fight for the Final Frontier: Irregular Warfare in Space.' Klein argues that hostile actions on orbit normally fall outside the definition of armed conflict, with actions short of overt war as the norm for adversaries seeking to disrupt our ability to engage in this domain. The net effects yield distinct similarities to what we’ve seen in irregular warfare. This discussion opens the aperture for applying lessons learned.
Credits:
Host: Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Henry Heren, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, MI-SPACE
Guest: CDR John "Patsy" Kline, USN (Ret.), Senior Fellow, Falcon Research, Inc.
Guest: Col El Gardner, Director, Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans, HQ USSF
Links:
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #a8 #budget
Thank you for your continued support!