AFA Hosts Brazilian Air Force Command and Staff College Delegation

AFA Hosts Brazilian Air Force Command and Staff College Delegation

ARLINGTON, Va. (Sept. 12, 2022)—More than 100 service members from the Brazilian Air Force visited the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) headquarters today to attend a lecture, “The Great Competition and Its Challenges to Air and Space Power Now and in the Future,” presented by AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. The visiting delegation included members of the Brazilian Air Force Command and Staff College (ECEMAR) and faculty and students from the Air Command and Staff Studies (CCEM).

The lecture was organized after ECEMAR reached out to the Mitchell Institute in July requesting a series of briefings on the current state of the U.S. Air Force.

“The Mitchell Institute is really the nation’s only independent, non-profit, non-partisan research organization that focuses exclusively on air and space power,” said Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute. “Brazil’s request to bring their Air War College to the Mitchell Institute is a testimony to our reputation for fact and data-based analysis on how air and space capabilities are key in meeting the security objectives of the United States, her allies, and partners.” 

The lecture featured three recognized industry specialists from the Mitchell Institute who briefed the attendees on the current state of affairs in their respective areas of expertise. The speakers included Deptula; Chris Stone, Senior Fellow for Space Studies; and Dr. Caitlin Lee, the Senior Fellow for UAV and Autonomy Studies.

Following the lecture was a Q&A in which the experts fielded questions from the Brazilian delegation. This provided the Brazilian guests with a “more detailed discussion that one could not get without the kind of face-to-face exchange this opportunity presented,” said Deptula. 

“We have to be very focused together with our allies, with our friends, to defend our nations, to defend our citizens, and to provide opportunities of safety and freedom,” added AFA President Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, USAF (Ret.). “We know we share those values with the Brazilian Air Force.” 

About AFA 

An independent non-profit association, the Air & Space Forces Association is the single-largest professional military association dedicated to air and space power and to the advancement of aerospace education at every level. Founded in 1946, AFA is dedicated to promoting dominant U.S. Air and Space Forces as the foundation of a strong National Defense; honoring and supporting Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and remembering and respecting the enduring heritage of the Air and Space Forces. 

For more information, please contact communications@afa.org. 

About the Mitchell Institute 

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is an independent, non-partisan research organization established by AFA to provide fact-based policy options, inform debate, and empower our nation’s leaders. This involves questioning established doctrine, organizational constructs, and operational concepts, asking whether there are better ways to meet national security goals. The Mitchell Institute provides independent analysis based on science, history, and data outlining the right solutions in the aerospace domain. 

For more information, please contact mitchell@afa.org.