The United States Air and Space Force have revealed a sweep of changes regarding the services’ structure. Leaders announced, at the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) Warfare Symposium Conference, that there would be new ranks and training protocols. Furthermore, these changes come in an effort to increase readiness and preparation in Airmen and Guardians for competition with China. Related read: China and Russia Teamed Up for Drills; Here’s Why That’s Bad

Air and Space Force Rolling Out New Ranks

The changes were announced in the AFA warfare symposium 2024’s opening as part of a 24-action item plan. Furthermore, Secretary Frank Kendall, acting undersecretary Kristyn Jones, Air Force Chief of staff Gen. David W. Allvin, and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman came together for the presentation of the items, some of which were very specific and some that were vague.

What Were Some of the Air and Space Force Changes Presented?

The specific changes are short-term goals with aggressive timelines. The vague changes were mostly renaming and rebranding efforts that will escalate defense spending, operational strategies, and overall resources against China.

Structural Changes

Though it has been 65 years since the Air Force held warrant officer ranks, its return is occuring. The idea behind the return of warrant officers is to have cyber and information focused airmen who want to code. Thus, the Air Force is building its technical talent and ability to compete in those areas. When looking at trends in US Air and Space Force recruiting, leaders believe that the competitive pay offered for these positions, the ability to focus exclusively on IT and cyber abilities, and the bypassing of the normal officer leadership track will drive and keep talent in this new area. Warrant officers only have approval for IT and cyber at the moment. Additional technical tracks for officers and noncommissioned officers are in the works. Suggested read: Civil War Movie (2024) Blends Dystopian Action With Current Events

Training Changes

The announcements also included the renaming and reorganization of the Air Education and Training Command. Reborn into the Airman Development Command with the new mission of better preparing airmen for the range of duties they can expect in the future. A new standard of Agile Combat Development will become standard operating procedure in Air Force training. Secretary Kendall also announced that there will be increased supervising responsibility and oversight of programs. This includes non-commissioned officer education to ensure a satisfactory level of training across the Air and Space Force.Another renamed concept, now “mission-ready airmen,” will be responsible for teaching new skills at all levels–basic training, wings, and advanced training.In sum, leaders really emphasized the importance of proper training for the upcoming U.S. Air and Space Force recruiting classes.Finally, of the 24 name changes, 16 changes were for the Air Force. Five were for the Space Force, and three for the entire Air and Space Force association department. Read next: How to Get Free Tax Prep For Military Personnel