national security

Did You Know? The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Did you know that the Air & Space Forces Association has an organization devoted specifically to the study of aerospace power and its importance to our national security?

It is the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, an affiliate of AFA and the only aerospace power-focused think tank in our nation’s capital. The Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization that informs the national security debate, educates about the essential role of aerospace power, and develops fact-based research, analysis and policy options for decision-makers, experts and the public.

For many of us at AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134, the Mitchell Institute may be one of the less familiar parts of the larger AFA organization. Yet its work addresses many of the issues that are important to the Air Force and Space Force today.

Mitchell examines subjects ranging from air combat and command and control to emerging technologies, unmanned aircraft, air base defense, force design, space superiority and sustaining operations in space. Its work includes research reports, policy papers, workshops, wargames, symposia, roundtables, webinars and the weekly Aerospace Advantage podcast.

There is a great deal more to AFA than what most of us encounter through our local Chapter activities. Part of improving communications at AFA Palm Springs is making sure our members know about resources like the Mitchell Institute and have an opportunity to explore them.

You can learn more about the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at:

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Why Is AFA Palm Springs Investing in Cyber Education?

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Many AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 members have asked, “Why are we expending resources on a topic that seems removed from airpower?”

The answer lies in the vision of Gen. H.H. “Hap” Arnold, who recognized that airpower requires a technologically literate force. That requirement is even more critical today, as technology now fundamentally shapes how we work, live, learn, communicate, and conduct modern warfare.

To maintain our status as the world’s dominant military power, we must cultivate cyber proficient professionals capable of navigating an era defined by AI driven drones, sophisticated cyberattacks, and advanced weapons systems.

We cannot wait until students enter the U.S. Air Force to build these skills. Through our chapter’s support for CyberPatriot teams, summer cyber camps, and industry field trips, we are helping students develop essential cyber technology expertise early.

Our vision is to build a sustainable pipeline of 100 to 150 students from middle school through college. By preparing them to enter the workforce, we are helping address the national shortage of more than 460,000 cybersecurity jobs across industry, government, and the military. That is a vital contribution to our national security.

At the same time, we are introducing the Air & Space Forces Association to organizations throughout the Coachella Valley that previously had little understanding of who we are or what we do. Our recent award of a $20,000 Cyber Education Grant from the Anderson Children’s Foundation is clear recognition of the value and importance of these efforts to our community.

In future posts, we will explore the origins of our chapter’s cyber education program, its expansion into a Coachella Valley wide initiative, and how our programs help transform local students into technology proficient teams. We will also discuss how you, as an AFA member, can play a role in this important mission. Thank You!

About the Author

James (Jim) McFarlin is President of the Air & Space Forces Association Palm Springs Chapter 134. He leads the chapter’s growing Cyber Education initiative, working with schools, industry, and community partners throughout the Coachella Valley to develop the next generation of cyber professionals and strengthen America’s future workforce.

Contact: mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com

A New Way to Join the Air & Space Forces Association Free!

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

The Air & Space Forces Association has introduced something completely new.

For the first time, AFA now offers a free Mission Membership. This new membership makes it easier than ever for anyone with an interest in our Air Force, Space Force, aerospace, aviation, STEM education, or national security to become part of the AFA community. Again, membership is open to everyone.

Mission Membership provides access to AFA news, educational programs, webinars, research, national events, and local Chapter activities. Whether you have served in the military, work in aerospace, are a student, educator, or simply support the mission of the Air & Space Forces Association, there is now a place for you in AFA at absolutely no cost.

This is also a tremendous opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Every new member strengthens our Chapter and helps us expand our educational programs, CyberPatriot, community outreach, aerospace education, and partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish.

If you are already an AFA member, thank you for your continued support.

If you know someone who has ever thought about joining AFA, now is the perfect time. Invite your family, friends, neighbors, fellow veterans, active duty military, educators, students, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aerospace and our nation’s defense.

Joining is easy.

Simply visit:

Join AFA

When completing your registration, please be sure to select Palm Springs Chapter 134. That simple step helps strengthen our local Chapter and ensures you receive information about our activities, meetings, educational programs, and special events.

It costs nothing.

It only takes a few minutes.

We look forward to welcoming many new members to AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

Thank You!

B‑21 Raider Moves Forward: Key Progress

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A second B-21 Raider, the nation’s sixth-generation stealth bomber, joins flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Sept. 11. The program is a cornerstone of the Department of the Air Force’s nuclear modernization strategy, designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. (Courtesy photo)

Northrop Grumman has delivered a second B‑21 Raider flight test aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base. The addition of this second aircraft significantly boosts the flight test campaign.

The testing is now moving beyond basic flight performance — the focus is shifting to mission systems and weapons integration, which are critical for future operational capability.

Ground test efforts continue in parallel. Engineers are subjecting the Raider to extreme mission condition simulations and durability testing (e.g. simulated lifetimes), and so far it’s been performing better than earlier digital models predicted.

Support, Sustainment, & Upgrades

Northrop Grumman is developing an enhanced software package aimed at enabling the B‑21 fleet to receive seamless updates—ensuring that the aircraft’s mission capabilities and weapons systems can evolve to meet future threats.

For training and maintenance, the company is putting in place full‑scale support systems: simulators, immersive labs, virtual environments, and a Fleet Management Tool for maintenance and sustainment. This infrastructure is designed so that when B‑21s are deployed, squadron crews, maintainers, and support personnel are ready.

Bigger Picture & Strategic Implications

The expansion of testing with more aircraft accelerates the path toward operational readiness. Having more test assets allows for faster validation of systems, weapons, and mission performance.

The B‑21 is being positioned as a cornerstone of the U.S. long‑range strike capability, incorporating both nuclear and conventional roles.

From Newsroom at Northrup Grumman https://news.northropgrumman.com/b-21-raider/Northrop-Grumman-Advances-B-21-Raider-Across-Test-and-Production

USAF Targets Cybertrucks

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In a twist that feels more science fiction than reality, the U.S. Air Force has officially targeted the Tesla Cybertruck—not for transportation, but for missile testing.

What’s Going On?

According to federal procurement documents, the Air Force Test Center plans to acquire two Cybertrucks as part of a larger package of 33 target vehicles for live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. These vehicles are intended for use in Special Operations Command’s Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) training, involving weapons like Hellfire missiles and Laser Small Diameter Bombs.

Why the Cybertruck?

The Cybertruck isn’t your average target. Its aggressively angular design, unpainted stainless-steel exoskeleton, and advanced 48V electrical architecture distinguish it from typical painted steel or aluminum vehicles. Military analysts highlight that its design may make it more resilient to damage than conventional vehicles—raising concerns that adversaries might adopt similar platforms in real-world combat scenarios. In the words of procurement documents:

“In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cybertrucks, as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.”

Context & Precedent

This decision is part of a broader, forward-looking assessment of potential threats. Notably, a 2024 viral image featured Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s leader, reportedly using a weaponized Cybertruck—though the authenticity and details remain murky.

Beyond the novelty, this move emphasizes how rapidly evolving technology—especially modern EV designs—are being evaluated for battlefield relevance.

What to Expect

  • The Cybertrucks do not need to be operable; they must simply be tow-capable and structurally intact.
  • This initiative may offer minor support to Cybertruck demand amid softening sales and a spate of recalls.

Takeaway: What began as a futuristic consumer truck is now serving an unexpected purpose: helping train the Air Force for possible real-world battlefield threats. This development vividly underscores the intersection of innovation, vulnerability analysis, and military preparedness.