Wise advisers help Air Force leaders navigate science

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Dean
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  Continuing a program started in 1944 by Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, Air Force leaders leverage the best minds in the nation to lasso innovation ahead of the curve.

"It takes all of us to conceive, comprehend and take action on the ways and means of today and of tomorrow," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, talking to members of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board Oct. 8, 2008. "And the Air Force must continue our tradition of leading the way in technological innovation."

The SAB is a 52-member group made up of scientists and engineers representing the widest possible scientific and technical expertise. Membership is highly competitive and results in a panel made up of the nation's top scientific minds from academia, industry and national laboratories.

Typically serving four years, volunteer members execute studies and reviews of the Air Force's top technical issues to provide recommended solutions to Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley, General Schwartz and other senior Air Force leaders.

Two retired general officers also are selected to serve on the SAB. They provide technical savvy and an Air Force perspective.

Study topics are solicited annually from the Air Force community at large and approved by both the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force.

Recent study topics include "How should the Air Force implement and employ virtual training?" "How can the Air Force operate through a cyber attack when information is unreliable and capabilities are unavailable?" and "How should the Air Force manage energy supplies to bases while balancing environmental, economic, policy and security constraints?"

SAB scientists perform four major studies on average each year. They also execute "quick look" studies on urgent issues.

"This is a group of real patriots," said Lt. Col. Ed Ryan, program manager of SAB studies. "The board is a serious commitment and the studies are a ton of work."

Each study topic is assigned a team made up of a chair, vice chair and approximately 10 members. And while each team is dominated by expertise in the study area, experts in different, but related fields are included to allow for "out-of-the-box" ideas.

"We are bringing in people who don't have (Air Force organizational) blinders on," said Lt. Col. Tony Mitchell, SAB executive director. "The SAB will stretch a little bit and say 'Did you think about this?'"

SAB scientists bring expertise from disciplines such as physics, aeronautics, artificial intelligence, human factors, mathematics and engineering.

"The SAB leadership tries to balance the expertise across the studies," Colonel Ryan said. "But if they don't have what is needed for a study, we'll bring in consultants who serve on the board for the time it takes to accomplish a specific study."

SAB members also perform a formal review of the Air Force Research Laboratory Science and Technology Program each fall. 

"The SAB is responsible for providing an independent assessment of what they are doing at the research lab," Colonel Mitchell said.   "Are they going in the right direction?  Are they missing something?" 

The SAB allows valuable exposure to outside ideas for 15 Air Force captains and majors who are recruited to serve as executive officers on the study teams.  SAB members hold DV-4 status, which is the equivalent of a lieutenant general. These executive officers help SAB members conduct information gathering, arrange for briefings and visits and generate reports and presentations.

Because the role of the SAB is by law an advisory one, tracking the implementation of specific recommendations is difficult; however, Air Force leaders have high praise for their inputs.

"You truly make great contributions to our service and our nation in all you do every day. It is an honor to serve alongside you," said General Schwartz to the SAB members. "I look forward to our ongoing conversation, and I look forward to the insights you will share."