The Air Force released its “posture statement” detailing the service’s missions and priorities over the next year.

The 52-page document’s introduction asks Airmen to look from their heritage to the horizon, taking lessons from the past and adapting them for the future.

It also opens with a letter from Michael W. Wynne, secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.

“Our 2006 posture statement outlines our plan to accomplish … goals regarding (the global war on terror), our Airmen, and our aircraft and equipment,” they said.

The posture statement expands those three main Air Force objectives and why they’re important to today’s Airmen.

The posture statement also “reflects our commitment to good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us, and our dedication to protecting our nation in air, space and cyberspace,” General Moseley and Secretary Wynne wrote.

Winning the global war on terror
“Our first priority is winning the global war on terror,” according to the statement. It goes on to outline the importance of air, space and cyberspace operations and their importance in both homeland defense and fighting the nation’s enemies. The statement also cites emerging threats and the risk of weapons of mass destruction.

“The Air Force has been at war continually for 15 years,” General Moseley said recently in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. The posture statement further illustrates the Air Force contributions not only to missions past, but to operations Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Developing and caring for Airmen
The posture statement takes into consideration the total force. Considerations for active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen are at the forefront of shaping and developing the Air Force.

“We must manage our force to ensure the Air Force is properly sized, shaped and organized to meet the global challenges of today and tomorrow,” the posture statement reads.

It also details recruiting and retention efforts, updates on military housing, as well as new management systems for personnel actions and civilian employment.

Maintenance, modernization and recapitalization
The posture statement outlines that the Air Force is also looking to use its oldest aircraft for as long as it can while newer weapon systems are brought online. To extend the use of platforms such as the C-5 Galaxy for airlift operations, certain upgrades are essential.

The Air Force is also looking to bring its newest aircraft to the forefront of the Air Force mission, such as the F-22A Raptor, unmanned aerial vehicles and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. The posture statement also illustrates the importance of space as part of the Air Force mission.

Heritage to horizon
To successfully reach the three goals, the posture statement describes how the service will establish Air Force Smart Operations 21 practices. Essentially, AFSO21, as it’s known, is the application of business plans meant to streamline everyday processes across the Air Force to be more effective and more efficient.

Air Force leaders believe AFSO21 practices, as well as energy conservation, total force integration and exploring new technologies are what will bring the Air Force forward into the future.

“We have received a proud heritage forged through the ingenuity, courage and strength of the Airmen who preceded us,” the statement reads. “Our duty today is to deliver their Air Force to the limitless horizon ahead of us.” 

2006 Posture Statement Media Presentation (28 MB) 

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