Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas -- Maj. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 19th Air Force commander, participated in a panel discussion on the future of U.S.and Italian Air Force training at the annual Military Flight Training Summit October 29, at the Westin Hotel San Antonio, Texas.
Alongside Brig. Gen. Edi Turco, Air Education and Training Command Italian Air Force chief of staff, Kreuder emphasized the importance of readiness and the human element in winning the future fight
"When it comes to how we train our future warfighters throughout 19th Air Force, consider what sustained winning in a high-end fight looks like from an Airpower perspective," said Kreuder. "Draw a line backwards from this, through our Allies and partners, through our Nation, our Department of Defense, our Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, 19th Air Force, and finally down to our wings that train our future warfighters. This is where Airpower starts and winning begins."
Kreuder also highlighted the importance of building relationships with like-minded nations, stating that "The time to build a relationship with like-minded Nations is before you need it." In regards to the role of aircraft, Kreuder noted that "We can love our aircraft, but should only do so to the extent they will help us win in the future fight - these are merely tools at the end of the day."
He emphasized the importance of the human element in winning future conflicts, stating that "Throughout history, it is the human element that has mattered most - and will most likely determine the outcome of our future conflicts as well. If you start thinking of our Airmen as a weapon system, then you are on the right path."
The summit also covered other important topics such as evolving training for fifth and sixth generation aircraft, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program, training for air dominance and special operations, and the evolution of sustainment, which are all crucial for building readiness in the era of Great Power Competition.