Mitchell Institute

AFA's  Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is an independent, nonpartisan policy research institute established to provide creative, insightful policy options that better empower our nation's leaders by: 

  • Informing the national security debate
  • Educating about aerospace power's unique role in securing America's global interests and
  • Cultivating airminded talent 
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Government Relations

AFA’s Government Relations team is a well-recognized and consistent presence on Capitol Hill. We work to educate congressional leaders on Air Force budgets, programs, and issues and advocate AFA’s position on diverse issues affecting national security. We regularly host congressional outreach programs including briefings and targeted meetings, reaching hundreds of congressional members and staffers and aligning Air Force and congressional leaders on key Air Force issues. We also work with the Military Coalition (TMC) and the Defense Related Associations (DRA) to collectively advocate on issues and challenges facing U.S. service members and our members.

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AFA News

AFA’s Mitchell Institute Launches Advanced Concepts Engagement Seminars Initiative

Press Release

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AFA Announces 2018 National Award Winners

Press Release

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Mitchell Institute’s Perspective on Standing Up a US Space Force

Mitchell Institute

Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula, USAF Ret., Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, discusses establishing the US Space Force President Trump called for on June 18, why making it a standalone service is a question of “when” not “if,” how the Pentagon should approach its development and coordinate with other government agencies, and more during a June 29, 2018, interview with Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian in northern Virginia.

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Air Force Magazine

Eisenhower's Farewell Warning

Air Force Magazine

President Dwight D. Eisenhower had a strong grasp of the importance of national security and the issues surrounding it. He was a five-star general and arguably the most distinguished military commander of the 20th century.

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Mobility Boom

Air Force Magazine

The Air Force’s airlift enterprise was pushed hard in 2017 as it responded to multiple domestic natural catastrophes, while continuing to fuel and supply the fight overseas. These demands stretched the command thin—delaying some deployments—and lent great urgency to measures underway to increase Air Mobility Command’s readiness. All this happened as the command also attempts to better posture itself for possible future large-scale combat.

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The Great Hypersonic Race

Air Force Magazine

China, the US, and Russia are each striving to be the first nation to develop hypersonic systems: aircraft and missiles that can cruise and maneuver at five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) or faster. The winner of this technology contest will have daunting military advantages. Such weapons promise the ability to hit targets from very long ranges, yet with such speed and surprise that defending against them is extremely difficult.

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