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2 AF makes an appearance at the AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference

  • Published
  • By Capt. Paige Skinner & Airman 1st Class Devyn Waits
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  

Second Air Force presented its commitment to the execution of training, developing, and inspiring warfighters at the annual Air and Space Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference held at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland, Sept. 16 – 18.

The event provided first-class professional military development, facilitated the sharing of emerging requirements and technologies, and fostered connections between partners to advance the cause of air and space power. Nearly 300 exhibits were placed throughout the venue, allowing attendees to learn about each other's mission with every step they took. Among the exhibitors was the Second Air Force team, where other exhibitors could learn about the Numbered Air Force's mission in conducting basic military and technical training for Air Force enlisted members and non-flying officers.

"We are showcasing some of our new training modalities this year, the results of our investment in technical training transformation. We are reimagining training by incorporating the latest technologies to develop an Airman’s or Guardian’s potential and provide them with the competencies to out-think and outperform our adversaries," said Maj. Gen. Wolfe Davidson, Second Air Force commander.

Attendees watched active demonstrations of cognitive human performance, virtual reality learning systems, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence tutoring from associated units, including the 81st Training Wing, Air Force Career Development Academy, and the Special Warfare Training Wing.

"Our goal is to incorporate the best available methodologies and technologies," said Maj. Christopher Sweeney, Second Air Force Logistics, Engineering & Force Protection director. He emphasized the Second Air Force's primary focus is to enhance the capabilities of airmen by providing them with the most effective and up-to-date training.

"Our Sixth Generation Learning environment concepts of operations put any learning space, formal or informal, as a priority space where our mission is occurring to include dorms, collaboration areas, learning annexes, simulation labs, practical labs, and ranges," said Sweeney. "We are always looking to improve access to on-demand, student-centric, and competency-based learning. In many cases, we are playing catch up by modernizing infrastructure and courses to a 21st-century standard before we can look to optimize human-centric training with high-end technology tools such as artificial intelligence and VR."

From the opening to the conference's conclusion, the Airmen of Second Air Force demonstrated their commitment to producing warriors with the passion and skill to protect, generate, sustain, and employ air, space, and cyber power. As the threat continues to evolve, so will the process of transforming patriotic civilians into mission-ready Airmen ready to face it.