In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jennifer “Boots” Reeves, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Jeff “Rowli” Rowlison, and Brig. Gen. Houston “Slider” Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into what a government closure means for national security and where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Gen. Wilsbach as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force nominee. On the spacepower side of the equation, we explore the USSF’s new Force Design, what it will take to better track threats in space, Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 satellites on orbit, and recent space-based laser communication advancements. We wrap by looking at the Department of War’s increased focus on homeland defense.

Guests

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

Brig Gen Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.)Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies, Mitchell Institute

Jennifer ReevesSenior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence

Todd “Sledge” HarmerSenior Vice President, American Defense International

Anthony “Lazer” LazarskiPrincipal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Jeff “Rowli” RowlisonVP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Host

Heather PenneyDirector of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Credits