Exclusive: Maxwell AFB Preps For New Ways To Fight Terrorism
The events in Orlando and terror attacks around the world have a huge impact here in the river region on Maxwell Air Force Base.
The air university school teaches new officers about the latest in modern warfare, and some say we need a big change.
Thousands of officers come through Maxwell Air Force Base every year.
One of the biggest issues tackled throughout their schooling is terrorism, both domestic and abroad.
Recent events are only making that more important.
“Well I think that Orlando is representative of what we saw in San Bernardino, and 9-11, where America is under attack. and when we’re under attack we have to find new tools to defend ourselves that are appropriate for the type of threat that’s coming at us,” said Lt. Gen. Steve Kwast.
Gen. Kwast is the commander and president of Air University.
He says responding to terrorism is already a crucial part of his curriculum, but it’s difficult in a changing world.
“National security professionals have to focused on the international environment, what is going on in humanity, what is going on in societies, what is threatening America? Then be good at using technology and how you architect organizations, materials, things to defend America.”
General Kwast says the focus has to be on emerging markets like space and cyber.
Those are areas where we can gain an advantage over the modern terrorist.
But he needs help to make that happen.
“The world is accelerating, the threats are accelerating on the shores of America. The military can’t change on its own. It has to be asked to change by the executive branch and the congressional side of the legislative branch. This is where America comes in. America has to talk about this problem and say we want solutions,” said Kwast.
Gen. Kwast says there’s already confidential work being done with new technology, but it’s nowhere near ready yet.
