U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark selected retired Lt. Gen. Bradford Shwedo to become the first director of the Academy’s newly established Institute for Future Conflict.
The IFC is a collaborative effort between members of the Air Force Academy Foundation and Academy senior leaders. The IFC will provide Cadets, faculty and staff with insights and tools to better anticipate, prepare for and drive change in the character of conflict. This is essential to sustain and advance national security objectives in the 21st century through curriculum, research and outreach.
“The pace of change in all domains of conflict, especially with the return of great power competition, requires our most aggressive efforts to ensure our graduates are ready to thrive and succeed in the challenging and dynamic environments they will face,” Clark said.
The IFC will work within the Academy’s existing departments and centers. The IFC’s partnership with the Air Force Academy Foundation will also help increase outreach to other universities, national laboratories, industry partners and other external centers of excellence to create partnerships and research opportunities for both cadets and permanent party members. It also aims to integrate with the $50 million of undergraduate research conducted annually at Academy.
“Although much of the change is being driven by technological advancements, our graduates must also be prepared to deal with the policy, legal, ethical, and human dimensions associated with those new capabilities,” Clark said.
Shwedo, a 1987 Academy graduate, commanded the 25th Air Force, in charge of all Air Force Intelligence operations before being named as the Headquarters Air Force’s Chief of Information Dominance and its Chief Information Officer. Shwedo retired as the Joint Staff Director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyber and its Chief Information Officer.
“General Shwedo brings a rich background in the most critical technological, operational, and policy environments, which are so vital to our nation’s security,” Clark said. “I am grateful he agreed to lead the IFC as it becomes a centerpiece in the development of our future Air and Space Force officers.”