PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Shape the force.
Design the right mix of Airmen and Guardians to meet current and future national defense
needs.
Grow and advance the force.
Recruit, assess, train, and develop the talent and leaders who power the Air and Space Forces.
Support the force.
Promote health, resilience, and quality of life to sustain readiness and mission effectiveness.

HISTORY 
General Henry “Hap” Arnold, known as the father of the U.S. Air Force, recognized that airpower depends as much on ideas and analysis as on aircraft. From his earliest days as one of the Army’s first pilots, he championed science, technology, and disciplined planning. He built partnerships with scientists and engineers, emphasizing that America’s air strength would rely on continuous innovation and anticipation of future challenges. When the Air Force was established, Arnold ensured that the service drew upon top scientific and analytic talent. To fulfill that vision, he founded Project AIR FORCE in 1946 to provide independent, world‑class analysis. That commitment continues today through RAND Project AIR FORCE’s Workforce, Development, and Health (WDH) Program, delivering evidence‑based solutions across the human capital life cycle—designing, recruiting, developing, and sustaining the force. The program advances Arnold’s legacy through innovation, scientific rigor, and analysis that strengthen America’s air and space power.