The Aerospace Advantage

Episode 65 - When It Matters the Most: Combat Search and Rescue

Episode 65 – When It Matters the Most: Combat Search and Rescue

Episode Summary:

In episode 65 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, When It Matters the Most: Combat Search and Rescue, host John “Slick” Baum, engages with 23^rd Wing Commander Col Russ Cook to explore the team behind this critical mission set. Bottom line, when aircrews strap into their jets and fly into harm’s way, they face the very real chance of getting shot down, having to eject, and finding themselves deep behind enemy lines with nothing but some basics in their survival vest, a sidearm, and their training. They may be injured or face incredibly hostile physical conditions. Odds are that the enemy also knows they are down there and will be doing everything possible to capture them. In this episode, we learn about the combat search and rescue (CSAR) airmen who are trained and equipped to fly into harm’s way to retrieve downed airmen. This is one of the most difficult jobs in the Air Force. And just to be clear, this isn’t just a mission, it’s a moral imperative. CSAR crews have been run hard over the past three decades supporting combat operations in Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and other venues. They’re also at an inflection point regarding what their mission will look like in the future as they look to fly against peer threats in the Pacific and Europe.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Col Russ Cook, 23^rd Wing Commander, USAF

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CSAR

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Episode 64 - Russia, China, and the US Air Force Stretched Too Thin: We’ve Been Here Before... Lessons from Korea

Episode 64 – Russia, China, and the US Air Force Stretched Too Thin: We’ve Been Here Before… Lessons from Korea

Episode Summary:

In episode 64 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Russia, China, and the US Air Force Stretched Too Thin: We’ve Been Here Before... Lessons from Korea, host John “Slick” Baum, engages with Mitchell’s executive director Doug Birkey to discuss his latest report regarding the Air War over Korea and why the lessons from that conflict matter more than ever today. Often lost between WWII and Vietnam, the air war over Korea holds particular relevance for members of today’s Air Force as they seek to address a strikingly similar set of challenges—everything from a small, old aircraft inventory to factors like airbase availability and defense, logistics under attack, lack of training capacity, and disagreement with joint counterparts about how best to employ airpower. As Air Force General William Momeyer, a veteran of multiple conflicts including the Korean War, explained, “We mustn’t rely entirely upon yesterday’s ideas to fight tomorrow’s wars, after all, but I hope our airmen won’t pay the price in combat again for what some of us have already purchased.”

You can find Doug Birkey’s paper on the USAF in Korea here.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #USAF

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Episode 63 - Affordable Mass: Precision Guided Munition Requirements for Great Power Conflict

Episode 63 – Affordable Mass: Precision Guided Munition Requirements for Great Power Conflict

Episode Summary:

In episode 63 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast Affordable Mass: Precision Guided Munition Requirements for Great Power Conflict, host John “Slick” Baum, Maj Gen Jason “Armo” Armagost of Air Force Global Strike Command and Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger of the Mitchell Institute discuss the types of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) we’ll need for future conflicts. As much as we love to talk about aircraft, it’s important to recognize netting desired combat effects comes down to getting bombs on targets. Not all munitions are created equal—it’s all about netting the right balance of performance attributes and cost factors. This is especially true given that a modern major theater war could easily see over 100,000 aim points. While much of our munitions inventory remains highly effective, it’s also important to recognize that we need to diversify with new systems that are affordable, can survive amidst potent enemy defenses, and are optimized to harness the advantages afforded by fifth-generation aircraft carrying them into harm’s way.

You can find Mark Gunzinger’s paper Affordable Mass: The Need for a Cost-Effective PGM Mix for Great Power Conflict here.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Maj Gen Jason “Armo” Armagost, Director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, Air Force Global Strike Command, USAF

Guest: Col (Ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capabilities Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Links:

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Precisionguidedmunitions

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Episode 62 - The Backbone of JADC2: Satellite Communications

Episode 62 – The Backbone of JADC2: Satellite Communications

Episode Summary:

In episode 62 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, The Backbone of JADC2: Satellite Communications, host John "Slick" Baum speaks with Director of the Space Development Agency, Dr. Derek Tournear; Vice President for Space Systems at General Atomics EMS, Gregg Burgess; and MI-SPACE Senior Analyst, Lukas Autenried to discuss steps we need to take to ensure resilient space-based communications. The ability to exchange information in a global, real-time fashion is vital to any military operation. The space enterprise is key to this function.  The problem is that our current architectures and systems aren't designed for the speed, scale, and complexity that modern, all-domain operations demand. The problem grows even more daunting in the face of a capable adversary that views our space systems as high-priority targets in any potential conflict. That's why a new set of solutions are required. Join us to hear more about these challenges and the steps that can be taken to address them.

You can find Lukas Autenried’s paper on laser communications here.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Dr. Derek Tournear, Director, Space Development Agency

Guest: Mr. Gregg Burgess, Vice President for Space Systems, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

Guest: Lukas Autenried, Senior Analyst, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

Links:

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Space

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 61 - Ukraine, Washington Update, and the Space Force: The Rendezvous

Episode 61 – Ukraine, Washington Update, and the Space Force: The Rendezvous

Episode Summary:

In episode 61 of the Aerospace Advantage Podcast Ukraine, Washington Update, and the Space Force: The Rendezvous, host John “Slick” Baum is joined by Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Heather Penney, Douglas Birkey, and Lukas Autenried of the Mitchell Institute team to discuss some of the latest developments that are impacting U.S. national security. 2022 is off to a fast start, whether considering Russia’s potential invasion of Ukraine, a Department of Defense highly compromised thanks to Congressional budget inaction, and the nation’s newest service, the Space Force, continuing to come into its own. In this month’s installment of The Rendezvous, the Mitchell Team discusses these issues and more. 

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Douglas Birkey, Executive Director, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (Ret.) Heather Penney, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Lukas Atuenried, Senior Analyst, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themitchellinstituteforaero/?hl=en

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheRendezvous #Ukraine

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Episode 60 – Gaining the Edge in Space Maneuver Warfare

Episode 60 – Gaining the Edge in Space Maneuver Warfare

Episode Summary:

In episode 60 of the Aerospace Advantage Podcast, Gaining the Edge in Space Maneuver Warfare, host John “Slick” Baum is joined by Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow Chris Stone, Dr. Ron Faibish of General Atomics EMS, Maj Nathan Greiner of DARPA, and Space Force Weapons Officer Lt Col Brandon Davenport to discuss what it will mean to successfully engage in space given current and future threats. A key technology required to facilitate this future vision is space nuclear thermal propulsion (SNTP). This may sound like science fiction, but it’s important to recognize that America’s national security space enterprise is at an inflection point. Our force design and satellite architectures are increasingly vulnerable to attack given adversary anti-satellite weapons. Ensuring space-based missions can continue to execute in spite of these attacks demands that we be able to maneuver satellites for both defensive and offensive purposes. Making that happen requires new forms of propulsion, including SNTP.

You can find Chris Stone’s full report on SNTP here.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Chris Stone, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

Guest: Dr. Ron Faibish, Senior Director of Strategic Development, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Group

Guest: Lt Col Brandon “Coach” Davenport, Former Commander of 2^nd Space Warning Squadron and Space Force Space Weapons Officer, US Space Force

Guest: Maj Nathan Greiner, Program Manager of Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO), DARPA

Links:

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #SpaceNuclearPropulsion

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Episode 59 - China in 2022: Top 5 Security Factors

Episode 59 – China in 2022: Top 5 Security Factors

Episode Summary:

In episode 59 of the Aerospace Advantage, China in 2022: Top 5 Security Factors, host John “Slick” Baum speaks with Mitchell Institute Research Analyst and China expert Daniel Rice to better understand how important trends, key events, and leadership decisions will impact the way in which the Asian superpower approaches regional diplomacy and hard power. Learn more about why things like the 20th Party Congress, the RCEP, Chinese activities in Afghanistan, and international perceptions of China are going to have an outsized effect on events in the Pacific and beyond. This demands assessing circumstances from the Chinese perspective, not mirror imagining through an American lens.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Daniel Rice, Research Analyst, 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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themitchellinstituteforaero/?hl=en

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #China

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 58 - Conversation with General Kevin Chilton: Fighter Pilot, Astronaut, and Commander

Episode 58 – Conversation with General Kevin Chilton: Fighter Pilot, Astronaut, and Commander

Episode Summary:

In episode 58 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Conversation with General Kevin Chilton: Fighter Pilot, Astronaut, and Commander, host John Baum engages with one of the most interesting, compelling aerospace leaders of our time. General Chilton’s career covers an immense range of experiences, any one of which would mark a highly successful tenure. He attended the Air Force Academy, flew RF-4s and F-15s, and then moved to the test pilot community. He later served as an astronaut at NASA—going into space three times, including as commander of STS-76. He also served as the Deputy Program Manager for Operations for the International Space Station Program. After his time at NASA, he came back to the Air Force, where he rose through multiple command positions, including Commander of Air Force Space Command and Commander of US Strategic Command.  That’s a lot to fit into a 34-year career in uniform, nor has he slowed down after retiring from the Air Force. He’s been involved in several arenas—ranging from work with FFRDCs and national labs, to industry. General Chilton holds Mitchell Institute’s Explorer Chair for Space Warfighting Studies. Join us for an in-depth conversation about these experiences and a discussion regarding Gen Chilton’s vision for Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Gen (Ret.) Kevin Chilton, Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

Links:

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

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LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themitchellinstituteforaero/?hl=en

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Space

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 57 – Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline (and Space Launch) Stories Part II

Episode 57 – Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline (and Space Launch) Stories Part II

Episode Summary:

In episode 57 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline (and Space Launch) Stories Part II, our team members recount some of their most memorable experiences in the air and space. You normally hear us talking about policy and budget issues, but over the holiday season we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. So join us to hear from Gen (Ret.) Kevin Chilton, Maj Gen (Ret.) Larry Stutzriem and Mark Gunzinger as they discuss some of their more memorable experiences. Ever wonder what it’s like to launch in the Space Shuttle? Did you know Stutz engaged Soviet fighters over the Pacific? And what about the time Gonzo flew a bomber mission that lasted over 33 hours and nearly lost it all in the final moments of the flight?  This is a series of stories that you won't want to miss. Happy holidays and thanks for listening to the Aerospace Advantage.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Gen (Ret.) Kevin Chilton, Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Research Center

Guest: Maj Gen (Ret.) Larry “Stutz” Stutzriem, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Col (Ret.) Mark “Gonzo” Gunzinger, Director for Future Concepts and Capabilities Assessments, 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

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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #FlyingStories

Thank you for your continued support!

Episode 56 - Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline Stories Part 1

Episode 56 – Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline Stories Part 1

Episode Summary:

In episode 56 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Mitchell Institute Flightline Stories Part I, our team members recount some of their most memorable experiences flying and fighting. You normally hear us talking about policy and budget issues, but over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. So join us to hear about what it’s like to land an F-15 on fire, provide close air support in danger-close situations, and strafing enemy forces. In part one of this two-part series, you’ll hear from Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Heather "Lucky" Penney, and your host John "Slick" Baum. In part 2, we will visit with Gen (Ret.) Kevin Chilton, Maj Gen (Ret.) Larry Stutzriem and Mark Gunzinger as they discuss some of their more memorable experiences, including launching in the Space Shuttle, dogfighting the Soviets over the Pacific, and flying a bomber mission that lasted over 40 hours and nearly lost it all in the final moments of the flight. Happy holidays and thanks for listening to the Aerospace Advantage. This is a series of stories that you won't want to miss.

Credits:

Host: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Daniel C. Rice

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula, Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Lt Col (Ret.) John “Slick” Baum, Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Maj (Ret.) Heather “Lucky” Penney, Senior 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/themitchellinstituteforaero/?hl=en

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #FlyingStories

Thank you for your continued support!