Air & Space Forces Magazine

Air & Space Forces Magazine
Title	Air & Space Forces Magazine
Frequency	Monthly
Category	Aviation
Company	Air & Space Forces Association
Country	United States
Language	English

Air & Space Forces Magazine is a monthly publication associated with the Air Force Association and the Air & Space Forces Association, covering topics related to United States Air Force, United States Space Force, aviation, aerospace and defense policy. The magazine reports on developments in airpower, space warfare, defense acquisition, military strategy and technology, with coverage intersecting institutions such as the Department of Defense, Pentagon, and contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. It serves a readership including personnel from Air Force Academy, United States Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard, as well as policymakers from Congress and analysts at think tanks like the RAND Corporation and the Brookings Institution.

History

The magazine traces its origins to post-World War II veterans and organizations tied to the United States Army Air Forces and early United States Air Force advocacy groups, paralleling developments involving figures such as Henry H. Arnold, Curtis LeMay, and institutions like the National Security Act of 1947. Over decades the publication covered Cold War events including the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, and Vietnam War, and followed aerospace milestones like the Mercury Seven program, Apollo program, and the rise of corporate actors such as General Dynamics and Grumman. In the 21st century it adapted to shifts after the September 11 attacks and the creation of the United States Space Force, documenting programs including the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, B-2 Spirit, and satellite efforts by organizations like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.

Editorial Focus and Content

The magazine emphasizes reporting on procurement debates involving programs like the KC-46 Pegasus, Next Generation Air Dominance, and Orbital ATK initiatives, as well as doctrinal discussions referencing thinkers associated with airpower theory, John A. Warden III, and historical campaigns such as the Battle of Britain and Gulf War. Regular features analyze budgets from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, examine test events at ranges like Eglin Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base, and profile units from Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, and Space Operations Command. Coverage blends news, long-form journalism, technical breakdowns of systems designed by Raytheon Technologies and Sikorsky, and commentary on strategic choices by leaders including General Kenneth S. Wilsbach and General John W. Raymond.

Publication and Distribution

Published by the Air & Space Forces Association, the magazine issues monthly print editions distributed to association members, subscribers, and institutional recipients such as the Library of Congress and military professional libraries at Maxwell Air Force Base. Digital editions and archives reach readers via platforms used by institutions like JSTOR and defense libraries, and the publication coordinates events with conferences at venues frequented by delegations from NATO, United Nations, and industry shows like the Paris Air Show and MAKS Airshow. Circulation metrics and subscription models reflect relationships with associations including the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and academic departments at universities such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Notable Contributors and Columns

Contributors have included retired flag officers, scholars, and journalists with profiles tied to institutions like the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Institute for Defense Analyses, as well as analysts who served in commands such as Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Central Command. Regular columnists and analysts reference historical figures and events from Billy Mitchell to the Strategic Defense Initiative, and guest essays have been submitted by leaders connected to NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and defense firms including BAE Systems. The magazine has published technical breakdowns by experts on propulsion, avionics, and sensors tied to innovations from Pratt & Whitney, General Electric Aviation, and laboratories like Sandia National Laboratories.

Controversies and Criticism

The publication has faced criticism and debate over editorial choices related to procurement advocacy, independence vis-à-vis defense contractors such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and coverage of sensitive topics linked to intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. Controversies have included disputes over op-eds touching on doctrines associated with Col. John Boyd and incidents involving editorial responses to reporting on conflicts like the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Critics from organizations such as Project on Government Oversight and journalists from outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post have occasionally challenged the magazine's stances, prompting internal reviews and editorial revisions.

Awards and Recognition

The magazine and its contributors have received recognition from professional bodies including the Air Force Historical Foundation, the Military Reporters and Editors Association, and journalism awards affiliated with institutions like the Society of Professional Journalists. Individual writers have been honored for investigative and feature reporting on topics ranging from aviation safety—with analyses referencing incidents involving platforms like the C-130 Hercules—to policy reporting on campaigns associated with the Defense Business Board and congressional oversight committees such as the House Armed Services Committee.

Category:Aviation magazines Category:Military magazines published in the United States