Maxwell Invites Civilians To National Security Forum

This is the 61st year that the National Security Forum is being held at Maxwell Air Force Base. Public leaders from across the country come here to see just how the Air Force works. 

 

About 150 people from across the country were chosen to come for special lectures and hands on experience with Air War College students. Many of these participants have air bases in their communities, and one of the biggest topics has been budget cuts. 

 

“We’ve talked about probably as many as 23 to 25 thousand Air Force members may be forced out of the service or retire early. Those are all different types of things that will be out there and those are things we’re proposing in the president’s budget. Which of course sits with congress and congress will have to help us work through that,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Bishop, commander of the Air War College.

 

General Bishop says that could mean a smaller force at Maxwell and the Gunter Annex. The forum has also focused on global issues like Russia annexing the Ukraine as well as the conflict in Syria. 

 

As the forum comes to a close, the Air War College wants the civilians to go home with a better relationship and better understanding of the Air Force

 

“We deal so much with the tactics and operation side of things so it’s good to see the strategy side of things. So yes, it will. It gives you a better understanding of the bigger picture,” said Bruce Gjovig from North Dakota.

 

Participants in the program will be here learning through Thursday.