As the nation and the Air Force come to better understand the value of space power, the Chapter continues to strengthen our relationship with USAFA. Air Force leadership, including Secretary Roche, has made it clear that USAF performance in space will be a key indicator of how well the Air Force as a whole fulfills its responsibilities in the 21st century. Included in the Secretary's focus areas is the recognition that the Air Force must have the right people with the right skills to strengthen the contribution of space to the national defense. In addition to building a space-savvy officer corps, there is indication that the AF will accelerate efforts to develop a space cadre. In discussions with Academy leadership, it is clear that they understand this message, and that USAFA will play a critical role in meeting these needs. Programs of the Space Chapter are designed to help this initiative.
For example, the Secretary has made it clear that the Academy's technical curriculum is a vital part of cadet education. The Chapter continues to work with the Dean's academic departments to review and provide suggestions for strengthening space-oriented curricula. Although the Chapter's primary focus on the technical side has been with the Astronautics Department, we've also been impressed with space-oriented courses and other experiences in areas of space biology and space physics, taught by those departments.
Meanwhile, new contacts with the Commandant's organization are leading to innovative approaches to train and educate cadets about the operational and doctrinal side of Air Force space activities. One of our near-term priorities is to strengthen our support to the Commandant and his programs.
The Chapter is also supporting initiatives to create opportunities in Colorado Springs for better public understanding of the Air Force's space activities and the Academy's contributions to the nation's space capabilities. We have been working with the National Space Science and Technology Institute to help create a Space Journey Exploration Center in the Springs that could be a major new attraction in the region.
We continue to add members to the Space Chapter. Since this is a completely volunteer organization, any grad who wants to participate is more than welcome. Please checkout our web site at usafaspace.tripod.com to get an idea of who we are and what we're doing. Or contact Stan Rosen '69 at 310-364-5746 (srosen6@aol.com).