Unpredictable Battlegrounds: Air Force Special Operations Command in Future Combat Beyond Traditional Conflict Zones

In the world of special operations, change and innovation are the keys to success. Two notable figures, Dr. Richard Newton and Lt. Gen. James C. "Jim" Slife, are making significant strides in their respective roles within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Dr. Richard Newton, a distinguished educator and veteran, has joined AFSOC as an adjunct professor at the Joint Special Operations University. His areas of expertise include irregular warfare, airpower, and the integration of special operations and conventional forces at the theater level. Prior to his current position, Dr. Newton served as an educator, a strategic planner, and a combat aviation advisor, accumulating over two decades of service as a combat rescue and special operations helicopter pilot. He graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1977 with a BS in military history.

On the other hand, Lt. Gen. Slife, the commander of AFSOC, brings a wealth of experience from his career in special operations aviation assignments. Born outside of Detroit and raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lt. Gen. Slife was commissioned through the ROTC program at Auburn University. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of AFSOC.

AFSOC, with approximately 20,800 active duty, reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian professionals, is poised to enhance its specialized air support in the face of evolving threats. This includes adopting more resilient, networked platforms, expanding drone carriage on units, and leveraging new technologies for surveillance and strike precision.

The Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI), a collaboration between the West Point website and Princeton University's Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, plays a crucial role in this transformation. IWI generates written and audio content, hosts critical thinkers in the field of irregular warfare as fellows, and coordinates events for the irregular warfare community. One of their most notable products is the Irregular Warfare Podcast.

As AFSOC continues to adapt and innovate, the contributions of Dr. Richard Newton and Lt. Gen. Slife, along with the work of organisations like IWI, will undoubtedly shape the future of special operations.