REPORT FROM 7 APRIL COLORADO SPRINGS MEETING

As we had planned, we held a short meeting of USAFA grads interested in strengthening the Academy's focus on space at the US Space Foundation Space Symposium in Colorado Springs last week. About 12 folks showed up to discuss this subject, and some really good ideas surfaced. As a basis for discussion, I summarized the inputs that I have received from you over the past few months (attached), and divided your inputs into six themes:

This is an important activity

Insights into current activities

Comments on needed curriculum

The need to strengthen the experience outside the classroom

The need for interdisciplinary efforts

Opportunities for outside support.

Here are some of the opinions expressed at last week's discussion, as I heard them, in the same categories as in the attachment:

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ACTIVITY.

- The Academy is an excellent forum to educate future AF officers on how space and airpower can effectively merge.

- Too many AF officers need to be enlightened about space activities when they take a related assignment.

- There is a pressing need to motivate cadet interest in space operations.

- Every graduate needs to understand how space capabilities support current operations.

- Space awareness is needed by all cadets, not just Astro majors.

- Space should be a reason a youngster wants to go to USAFA

- The objective is not to make all cadets into qualified space operators; that can come after graduation for some.

INSIGHTS INTO CURRENT ACTIVITIES

- Both the Dean and Commandant have strong programs now.

- A significant number of cadets enter the Academy with an expectation to have a career in space; many are turned off by the de-emphasis on space vs flying careers.

- The Space Operations major appears to be almost dead from lack of interest. This trend was attributed to several factors, including the fact that Space Ops majors may not get into a space operations career field, since assignments are made by rank in class, and that many cadets who would otherwise be interested in Space Ops are turned off by the fact that the space operations career field includes likely missile duty.

- A new major which focuses on doctrine and operations ("MDOS") is being created which will include a space operations option. Although still in the approval stage, this major is expected to be approved for election in the fall.

COMMENTS ON NEEDED CURRICULUM

- Need to understand space applications to support warfighting activities.

- Although the Academy doesn't seem to have qualified people to create the needed operational-themed space curriculum, outside contributors can help a lot.

- Opening of classified areas provides opportunities that didn't previously exist

THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

- A major objective should be to generate excitement among cadets for space. We need to brainstorm. For example

- There seems to be a clear need to create more visible space-related features in the cadet environment, such as displays (hardware, etc.), improved coverage in Contrails, field trips, etc.

- A cadet club focusing on space would provide new opportunities. Such a club could receive outside support (funds, etc.) for its activities.

- There should be more emphasis on space in Fourth Class knowledge

- There are many opportunities to use space hardware (GPS receivers, weather displays, comm terminals, etc.) in summer field exercises. It was even suggested that all cadets be issued a GPS set.

- All cadets could be issued Satellite Tool Kit.

- Cadets could do summer training with Space Support teams.

- Cadets could be exposed to opportunities to be shuttle mission specialists, as well as serve on the flight deck.

- Cadets could take advanced courses from schools such as UCCS (through Ron Sega) if an appropriate program were set up.

- Summer research with industry could broaden cadets, but might over-enamor them with the advantages of civilian career.

THE NEED FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY EFFORTS

- Marry academics and military training

OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTSIDE SUPPORT.

- War stories, vignettes, heroes (not just astronauts), "the stuff of legends…"

- If hardware and $'s are needed, we should understand the specific requirements and opportunities for support

There were also some interesting insights into this group itself:

- In telling the space story, we shouldn't focus on esoteric visions 25 years down the road (as have some presentations to AF leaders). Space contributions are real and significant today!

- We should not focus on space to the exclusion of other AF activities (and really look like "space cadets"), but rather to put space in context of military and AF operations.

- This group should be given an official status, as opposed to being an ad hoc source of opinions and commentary.

In addition, I received the following comments and suggested rewording for the proposed Advisory Group charter:

- Mission: "Focus resources of the SPACE community THROUGH GRADUATE CONTACTS to strengthen the USAFA space experience."

- Role: Add "Bring our experience and knowledge of America, our AF and space."

I would like your opinion on this proposed broadening of the proposed charter.

During the meeting, Capt Matt Carroll gave us an update on the space education program in the 34th Education Group under the leadership of the Commandant. Clearly, they are focussing on some of the same areas of concern as this graduate group. If you'd like a hard copy summary of these activities, send me your fax number.

Also, Ms. Dana Johnson of the RAND Corporation gave us a brief summary of a study she is doing for the Air Staff on how to transition the Air Force culture to an Aerospace Force, including changes in officer training.

Based on a polling of the group, the best date for the meeting with USAFA faculty and staff is May 25. I am still collecting suggestions for the agenda, so let me hear from you if you haven't already given me your ideas; I will send it out shortly.

Finally, I want to report that Jay Kelley met briefly with the Superintendent last week and reported that LGen Oelstrom is supportive of this activity.

Respectfully submitted,

Stan Rosen

10 Apr 99