The Air Force is considering a bureaucratic reorganization focusing on four key areas to improve how it prepares airmen for war: combat readiness, careerlong training, acquisition, and future force planning. This plan aims to streamline the Air Force’s internal structure by consolidating missions into four major organizations—Air Combat Command, Airman Development Command, Air Force Materiel Command, and Integrated Capabilities Command—as a more efficient way to manage resources and troops across the force. This restructuring mirrors similar efforts in the Army to enhance effectiveness.
The reorganization effort is part of a broader strategy to outpace advanced militaries like China after years of responding to fragmented missions. The goal is to take a more holistic approach in providing air capabilities to the joint force by aligning resources and streamlining commands. The evolution of the Air Force includes standing up new commands like the Integrated Capabilities Command and restructuring existing service components to be more autonomous in supplying forces to combatant commands worldwide.
As part of the plan, the Air Force anticipates establishing 24 deployable combat wings in the future to enhance combat readiness. These wings will be staffed by airmen who have trained together at the same bases, creating a more cohesive and effective force. The restructuring will also require collaboration among commands to ensure comprehensive training for airmen across all roles, beyond just traditional fighter units. Overall, the reorganization effort could lead to significant benefits for the service by adapting to the evolving threat landscape.
