Air Force Abandons New Command, Restructures Acquisition Strategy

The United States Air Force has announced a significant shift in its strategy regarding technology acquisition. On March 15, 2024, officials confirmed they will not proceed with the establishment of the Integrated Capabilities Command (ICC), a new major command initially proposed to enhance the service’s procurement processes. Instead, the Air Force will incorporate the ICC’s intended functions into the existing structure of Air Force Futures (A5/7) by April 2026.

This decision marks a departure from plans laid out under the Biden administration, which included the creation of the ICC as part of a larger initiative termed “reoptimization.” A provisional version of the ICC was launched in early 2023, aimed at overseeing the Air Force’s weapon system acquisition requirements.

Troy Meink, the Air Force Secretary, emphasized that this restructuring is designed to improve efficiency and accelerate the delivery of combat power. “This restructuring will accelerate the delivery of combat power, improve efficiency, and shorten the decision timeline,” Meink stated in a press release.

The newly defined role of Chief Modernization Officer will drive efforts in several critical areas. These include strategy and force design, mission integration, capability development and requirements, as well as modernization investment prioritization.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi has been appointed to lead the restructuring efforts within A5/7. Niemi previously commanded the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. His leadership will be crucial as the Air Force adapts to this new organizational framework.

Earlier this year, the Air Force halted its reoptimization initiatives, prompting a review that ultimately led to the decision to abandon the ICC. The future of other components of the reoptimization strategy, which also affects the Space Force, remains uncertain.

There have been mixed reactions to the reoptimization initiatives, particularly from previous administration officials. Disagreements regarding the direction of these initiatives reportedly contributed to the recent ousting of former Air Force Chief of Staff David Allvin. Following Allvin’s departure, Kenneth Wilsbach, the former chief of Air Combat Command, has been nominated to succeed him.

During a roundtable discussion at the Air and Space Forces Association conference in Washington, Meink shared his perspective on the modernization efforts. “I think a lot of the ideas that have been floated around, regardless of where they came from, are important,” he remarked, underscoring the necessity for readiness and modernization. He also expressed skepticism about framing the overhaul in terms of competition, stating, “We need to be able to win, period.”

As the Air Force moves forward with this restructuring, the implications for its technology acquisition processes and overall operational readiness will be closely monitored. The decision to integrate the ICC’s functions into an existing command reflects the service’s commitment to adapt and streamline its approach to modernization in a rapidly changing defense landscape.