Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, USAFA Superintendent, here for a live Q&A 6/22 @ 12:30pm ET. Questions on air power and leading diverse groups?

2018-06-15T11:45:37-04:00

Lt Gen Silveria is the Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He directs a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletic and character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant.

Prior to assuming his current position, General Silveria served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, and Deputy Commander, Combined Air Force Air Component, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia. As Deputy Commander, he was responsible for the command and control of air operations in a 20-nation area of responsibility covering Central and Southwest Asia, to include operations Resolute Support in Afghanistan, and Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. He has previously served as Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Vice Commander, 14th Air Force, Air Forces Strategic at Vandenberg AFB, California, as well as Director, Security Assistance in the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq.

General Silveria grew up in an Air Force family and is a 1985 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He completed undergraduate pilot training in 1986. He is a command pilot with more than 3,900 hours in the T-37, T-38, F-15C/E, HH-60 and F-35A aircraft. He has flown combat sorties over the Balkans and Iraq and served as Vice Commander at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 15 at 2018 11:56 AM

2018-06-15T11:56:50-04:00

As someone that is both a military leader and intimately involved with education, what do you believe the affects of the current political and ideological climate of universities in our country will have on recruiting qualified and dedicated leaders, commissioned officers, into our ranks? Do you think that a time may come soon where we will be forced to rely almost solely on our military academies and perhaps have to funnel NCO leadership to the commissioned route in order to fill those areas of leadership?

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 15 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-06-15T13:49:41-04:00

Thank you sir for taking the time to join us on RP - I have a couple of questions - one on cost/personnel and the other on the impact of big data within Air Force's domain and the military in general.

Due to the current shortages in personnel in both pilots and maintenance, the ability of the US to achieve dominance via our nation’s industrial might appears to have caught the Air Force in a crux - do more for less vs do less for more - in terms of air power. For example an F-16 adjusted for inflation at $29 million compared to the F-35 at $95 million. Roughly three air-frames to one. At some point the less for more approach will reach a cost prohibitive number if not already there with the F-35. As such what is the future of the Air Force in terms of the procurement of next gen fighters as well UAV's.

As well I see a future where units will need to have a more autonomous domain structure to accelerate op tempo as well create a more dynamic battle space as a result of big data being integrated into the C&C. Something along the lines of a combat controller/pilot (NCO) embedded with ground troops controlling UAV's for CAS. What do you think the impacts will be in bringing big data into the mix of C&C - as well overall impact on domain structure.

Thank you.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 15 at 2018 2:11 PM

2018-06-15T14:11:31-04:00

Thanks for joining us, Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member. I saw the news recently about USAFA's new partnership with AT&T. It's great to see this collaboration with industry to ensure the USAF is innovating and addressing the future needs of the force. Do you see other key partnerships like this starting up in the near future? If so, what types of industries or organizations would be your primary focus?
https://www.federallabs.org/news/att-and-us-air-force-academy-collaborate-to-explore-advanced-technologies

AT&T and U.S. Air Force Academy Collaborate to Explore Advanced Technologies | Federal Labs

AT&Tand the U.S. Air Force Academy are working together on networking services and advanced technology capabilities. They entered a 5-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aimed at boosting the Air Force’s use of modern technology at a pace more like the commercial sector.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jun 15 at 2018 2:28 PM

2018-06-15T14:28:23-04:00

Thank you for coming to RP Sir. My question to you is: you made a well received speech about race relations in the Air Force after an incident at the Academy. While the incident turned out to be a hoax, your speech was still correct. The Air Force reserve just had to deal with a recruit who made a video where she makes dispariging comments about hunting minorities. The Air Force values are no different than any of her sister services, and it only supports the Team mentality. Going forward what do you think the Air Force can do better when dealing with race issues when they pop up, and what do you foresee in the future to deal with those coming in and currently serving to ensure that they understand we all have a stake in the service, and that no one is better than the next based off race, sex, religion, or social economic stature?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 18 at 2018 5:39 PM

2018-06-18T17:39:18-04:00

Thank you for your service sir.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 19 at 2018 12:10 PM

2018-06-19T12:10:57-04:00

Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member -- Sir, I'm sure most of us on RP have seen the great speech you gave on the racism incident that happened at USAFA. My questions are: (1) what was it like to have your speech go so viral even outside of the US, reaching tens of millions of views across the web? (2) if you had to give that speech over again, is there anything else you would also add to it today?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfjZ1otkS3o

Lt Gen Silveria addresses cadets about racism incident

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, along with USAFA leadership, addressed the entire Cadet Wing and USAFA Preparatory School today. Lt. Gen. Silveria left no uncertainti...

Response by SPC Elisabeth Vinal made Jun 19 at 2018 6:05 PM

2018-06-19T18:05:42-04:00

Sir, Thank you for taking time to take varied questions and answer from a top leadership perspective.

I am working toward my Master's of Arts in Human Services Counseling for Military Resilience. The Institute of Military Resilience is at Liberty University, and I look forward to gathering perspectives of many in the military community who deal with issues related to "what is military resilience" and, in your wheelhouse, "how can the unit/team/esprit d'corps of all service branches, families, communities, in their diversity, strengthen resilience"?

Thank you in advance, Sir.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 20 at 2018 4:16 PM

2018-06-20T16:16:47-04:00

Lieutenant General Silveria: WHAT AN INCREDIBLE HONOR IT IS TO HAVE YOU WITH US, SIR!
YOU ARE AMAZING, SIR; AND A BEYOND HIGH CALIBER MAN AND LIEUTENANT GENERAL!
I HAVE NO QUESTIONS; ONLY PRAISE FOR YOU, LIEUTENANT GENERAL.
MAY YOU EXPERIENCE A LOVELY AND AN AWESOME DAY, SIR!
-WITH MY GREATEST RESPECT, Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach/Photographer

Response by SGT Pappa Russ Scarvelli made Jun 20 at 2018 8:11 PM

2018-06-20T20:11:34-04:00

Dear Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria,
Thanks for all your support for members on this page.
Russ Scarvelli Pappa Russ

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 21 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-06-21T10:44:50-04:00

SSG Warren Swan SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SGT Joseph Gunderson COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Kevin B. SSG Shavonde Chase -- can you rockstars please do me a quick favor and help mass effects on this thread? It's a great privilege to have the USAFA Supe here to join us, and I know a lot of people on RP would love to either post questions here or follow the thread. So, can you do me a favor and take a min and tag some of the other key influencers here on RP and get some chatter going on this? Thanks a bunch.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 21 at 2018 11:05 AM

2018-06-21T11:05:52-04:00

RALLYPOINT CONTINUES TO BRING THE VERY BEST IN HONORED GUEST TO ITS MEMBERS!

RP MEMBERS AND CONNECTIONS - PLEASE JOIN IN ON THE RALLYPOINT LIVE Q&A WITH Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member ON JUNE 22, 2018, AT 12:30 PM ET TO TALK ABOUT AIR POWER AND LEADING DIVERSE GROUPS!

WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ASK LT GEN SILVERIA THE REALLY GOOD QUESTIONS ABOUT AIR POWER, THE AIR FORCE, AND LEADING DIVERSE GROUPS.

POST YOUR QUESTIONS FOR LT GEN SILVERIA IN ADVANCE ON THE TOPICS PROVIDED ABOVE.

PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTION TODAY:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/lt-gen-jay-silveria-usafa-superintendent-here-for-a-live-q-a-6-22-12-30pm-et-questions-on-air-power-and-leading-diverse-groups?urlhash=3730072

THE RALLYPOINT FORUM CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, RETIREES, CIVILIAN RECRUITERS, CIVILIAN SUPPORTERS, AND MILITARY FAMILY MEMBERS TO REACH OUT & ASK QUESTIONS TO FORMER SERVICE MEMBERS AND LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY.

YOUR GREAT PARTICIPATION IS WELCOME, APPRECIATED, AND NEEDED TO KEEP THIS TYPE OF FORUM MOVING FORWARD.

Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, USAFA Superintendent, here for a live Q&A 6/22 @ 12:30pm ET. Questions on...

Response by SGT David T. made Jun 21 at 2018 1:09 PM

2018-06-21T13:09:45-04:00

Welcome sir. I will echo some of the others in saying that I saw your speech on racism and thought it was great to approach that topic in such a candid way. I only have one question. If you had the ability and the resources to restructure the academy any way you see fit (without current limitations), would you and if so how?

Response by MIDN 1/C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 2:41 PM

2018-06-21T14:41:18-04:00

Sir, thank you for volunteering your time to continue to care for the development of this nation's military. I am a soon to be 2Lt in the Marines intent on preparing myself to take care of my future Marines and our mission as completely as I can; what advice do you have for creating and accomplishing the right goals, and what are some of your goals both now and from when you were a junior officer that have best allowed you to be successful in leading your Airmen in their mission and in providing them the climate necessary to accomplish their own goals?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-06-21T15:55:20-04:00

Do you see the Air Force owning space or will the President get his way and establish a separate 'Space Force'.

Response by SSgt Max Gonzales made Jun 21 at 2018 5:50 PM

2018-06-21T17:50:48-04:00

My question would be,I served in Vietnam as a dog handler,I wonder with all the diversity,we didn't buy into the race card. My dilemma was pay,I truly believe we were not paid properly. How do we get compensation,if it's proven?

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 8:31 PM

2018-06-21T20:31:43-04:00

Lt Gen Silveria,

As an advisor in AFG for almost 2 years, while in Kandahar, I would awaken every morning to the sound of the A-10 warthogs practicing. That was the most comforting sound ever! Please do Everything possible to preserve the Warthog - the Best ground support aircraft in the World !!! HOORAH !!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 11:00 PM

2018-06-21T23:00:55-04:00

Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member Sir, thank you for serving our country. With increasing cyber attacks against the United States, are we holding our own in this critical area of warfare, and is this a large part of our offensive strategy?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 22 at 2018 3:38 AM

2018-06-22T03:38:57-04:00

Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member,

Welcome to RP. Glad to have you join us.

Sir, how do you see the potential of the concept of a Space Force impacting the size, scope and mission of the Air Force? Regarding your current role at the USAFA, how do you think the concept of a Space Force will impact the demand for future students? Do you foresee any potential programmatic changes necessary at the undergraduate level to help lay an adequate foundation for people pursuing that type of a career path?

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint, SGM Steve Wettstein, SrA Edward Vong, LTC John Shaw, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, Maj Marty Hogan, CSM Charles Hayden, MAJ Charles Blake, COL Charles Williams, MSG Jerry Crouch, Ed.D.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 22 at 2018 8:59 AM

2018-06-22T08:59:19-04:00

Sir, I saw this article on our aircraft being targeted by lasers in the Pacific. How does the USAF deal with this type of threat? Is this a new type of threat that has only emerged in the last decade, or has this threat actually been around for a long time?

Article: https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-military-aircraft-targeted-by-lasers-over-pacific

U.S. Military Aircraft Targeted by Lasers Over Pacific

20+ incidents in area of East China Sea where Beijing has stepped up its military presence.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 22 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-06-22T09:16:04-04:00

Sir,
Looking ahead, how to you see the growing field of Cyber impacting the education and curriculum at the USAFA during the next five, and ten years?

Tagging some USAF RP'ers who might have some other questions:

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 22 at 2018 9:23 AM

2018-06-22T09:23:43-04:00

Sir,
Another question I always like to ask senior leaders. We often hear from people in the military and veterans that the new generation of Millennial is somehow weaker or softer, that they need "safe spaces" and should be treated with "kid gloves," etc. From your experience in education and your position at the USAFA, do you find these notions to be true? Are kids today different and softer than those of generations past? If so, how is the school adapting to this new generation?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-06-22T11:08:41-04:00

Sir, as SSG Carlos Madden mentioned, the President's announcement of an inception of a 'Space Force' has "rocked our world". With the further definition that it will be more of a Space Corps - similar to how the Marine Corps falls under the department of the Navy (and, boy, does that frost their buns), is it reasonable that this Space Corps will consist of Cyber and traditional Space Wing ops, thereby sliding focus on traditional Air Force ops back to "regular" Air Force? If so, do you see that helping the manning issues Force-wide, ESPECIALLY with our pilots?

Response by Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2018 12:39 PM

2018-06-22T12:39:57-04:00

Good Morning, everyone! Thank you for joining me on RallyPoint today. I'm looking forward to answering some of the questions you've asked throughout this last week.

Response by Lt Gen Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2018 1:59 PM

2018-06-22T13:59:02-04:00

I see a number of you are tracking current news and have asked questions about the President's recent comments about a Space Force. Right now, I will have to direct you to our senior Air Force leadership's recent comments.

With that being said, this was great everyone. Thank you for your thoughtful questions and inviting me to take part in this. We each have role in educating our nation and those we interact with about what service means and the values we stand for. Thank you all for everything you have done and you continue to do in representing your service and our military.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Jun 22 at 2018 9:19 PM

2018-06-22T21:19:57-04:00

Missed this today. Will have to read up (after a few papers are written) thanks COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim made Jul 17 at 2018 12:10 AM

2018-07-17T00:10:12-04:00

May any ask the officer how come he violates legitimate Nuremberg Trial verdicts by 'following orders' and aiding and abetting 4th Reich neo-Nazi Sonnenkinder sun god cult Heliocentric Model traitors and Enemy ?