Innovate to Survive: Vietnam Air Combat Perspectives Part 2
The air war over Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic, evolutionary periods of airpower innovation. This impacted tactics, operational…
Innovate to Survive: Vietnam Air Combat Perspectives Part 1
The air war over Vietnam represents one of the most dynamic, evolutionary periods of airpower innovation. The U.S. entered the conflict optimized to face the Soviet Union, but few Vietnam combat missions matched that paradigm. Airmen had to rapidly adapt and innovate. This episode explores this era by speaking to two legendary Vietnam veteran airmen: Col Leonard “Lucky” Ekman, USAF (Ret) and ace Col Chuck DeBellevue, USAF (Ret).
A Century of Liquid Rockets: Conversation with ULA’s Chief Rocket Scientist John Reed
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of liquid-fueled rockets. Mitchell Institute experts and John Reed, the Chief Rocket Scientist at United Launch Alliance, discuss this milestone event, launch advancements over the past 100 years, the future of this technology, and why it all matters.
Epic Fury Insights, FY27 Defense Budget, and Spacepower Update: The Rendezvous
Epic Fury Insights, FY27 Defense Budget, and Spacepower Update: The Rendezvous
We discuss Operation Epic Fury, key items to track in the FY27 defense budget, and the latest in spacepower—everything from missile warning & tracking developments to the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP).
Understanding the Threat Environment in Space: Chief Lerch
China is pressing hard to gain a spacepower capability advantage over the United States, including offensive and defensive capabilities on orbit. Our Mitchell Institute team explores these realities with Chief Master Sergeant Ron Lerch, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy of Chief of Space Operations. This is a crucial conversation you won’t want to miss.
Command and Control Air Battle Management: The Air Layer Still Matters
The Air Force must ensure that its command-and-control air battle management (C2ABM) enterprise is postured for success. Current C2ABM capabilities are in major need of a reset. Heather “Lucky” Penney and Doug Birkey explore this topic with air battle managers Lt Col Alex “Big Bobby” Wallis and Lt Col Grant “SWAT” Georgulis.
