General discusses China's military growth, challenges facing Air Force

Brigadier General Edward Thomas, director of public affairs for the Air Force, covered China's growing military strength, pilot shortages, psychological stress on drone pilots and operational security in dealing with the press in wide-ranging remarks at a meeting of the American Legion Post 20 at the National Press Club June 19.

A 27-year Air Force veteran, Thomas said the current national defense strategy led by Secretary of Defense James Mattis is focused on "great power" competition rather than the Middle East and Afghanistan, with China as the rising power.

"China used to be viewed as a 'near peer' competitor," he said. "We don't use 'near' any more."

Given China's expanding military capability, there needs to be a new sense of urgency in the defense acquisition process, he stated. When the United States was the world's only super power, weapons programs could be developed or expanded over time.

Now, he said, the United States isn't the sole super power so the acquisition process needs to be accelerated.

Thomas also said the rise of China and other threats are driving a much-needed military buildup, particularly in Navy ships and Air Force fighter planes. For example, in the first Gulf war in 1991 the Air Force had 174 fighter squadrons; the number now is 55, he said.

Not only does the Air Force need more planes but also the pilots to fly them.

He pointed out that the Air Force produces 1,100-1,200 pilots a year, but the commercial airlines have plans to hire 5,000 pilots a year over the next 10 years.

"It's a real challenge for all the services," he said, adding that the Air Force is increasing bonus payments and has numerous other incentive initiatives in place such as reducing administrative burdens on pilots.

Asked about drones, he said remotely piloted drones are valuable weapons -- some the size of F-16 fighter jets -- but the psychological stress on pilots can be significant: "It's a dynamic we're trying to address," he stated.

He cited examples where drone pilots may have to execute missions where lives are taken, then are expected to go home that evening to normal family activities. Units have chaplains and psychologists to assist such pilots, he said.

Questioned about Air Force guidance last March that restricted the release of certain operational information to the press for security purposes, Gen. Thomas said it was a difficult decision.

"We never stopped talking to the press," he said, but added there is a "new normal" in which "about 90 percent of what we do is unchanged and the other 10 percent doesn't have the same level of detail" on operational matters that in the past had been "telegraphed" to China, Russia and others. "We've really had to thread the needle on this one," he said.

Speaker portions of Post 20 meetings are open to all Club members. Post 20 was founded in 1919 and has been associated with the Club since.