Air Force releases Global Futures Report: Joint Functions in 2040

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force published its Global Futures Report April 12, assessing four potential operating environments Airmen may have to navigate in before the turn of the century.The report incorporates findings using Foresight Methodology to identify key forces and factors that will drive or constrain how the service will fight in 2040.

“This report defines success in challenging singular visions of the future while understanding disruptions will be the norm,” said Lt. Gen. S. Clinton Hinote, Air Force Futures director. “The strategies we adopt and the forces we design must address the possibility of surprise, especially surprises that could transform

how we fight.”

The Air Force Global Futures Report: Joint Functions in 2040 explores four scenarios, or future operating environments, through the lens of the seven joint functions found in U.S. doctrine –fires, protection, movement and maneuver, information, intelligence, command and control (C2), and sustainment.

The report provides an assessment of each prediction to uncover weak signals, current trends and the forces that may impact future operations for the Air Force and Department of Defense. Potential alternative futures include:

Continued Growth – Great power competitors continue attempts to increase leverage over the United States and diminish its advantages.

Transformational – Unprec-