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From Air Force Studying Army's Model for Commercial Military Range Access

How could the study of commercial range access affect Air Combat Command?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Air Combat Command may adapt to commercial testing models The Air Force is actively studying the Army's model, which opened five military test ranges—four domestic and one overseas—to approved companies to speed innovation. This model aims to cut the traditional range test process from up to 18 months down to as little as 30 days.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written Oct 10
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How it reaches Air Combat Command

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • The Army opened five military test ranges—four domestic and one overseas—to approved companies.militarytimes.com
  • The Army's move was designed to speed innovation and get weapons and tech to the warfighter faster.militarytimes.com
  • Opening Army ranges would cut down the traditional range test process from up to 18 months to as little as 30 days.militarytimes.com

Why it matters

For Air Combat Command, the ability to rapidly test and integrate new technologies is critical to maintaining combat superiority. If the Air Force successfully implements a commercial range access model, it could significantly reduce the time required to validate new capabilities, allowing combat units to adopt relevant technology much faster.

This move aligns with efforts by former Army Secretary Dan Driscoll to eliminate barriers to industry and drive efficiency in innovation. The Army's ranges, such as Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, and Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich., are being made available via an online application portal to private companies.

What we don't know yet

  • Will the Air Force adopt the Army's model, or only study it?
  • How will the Air Force balance the speed of commercial testing against the threat of adversaries gathering imagery?

What would change this answer

The Air Force announces a pilot program for commercial range access.This would make the operational shift more certain, forcing Air Combat Command to begin adapting its testing and procurement procedures.
The Air Force increases its focus on information security risks during testing.This could slow or halt the adoption of the commercial model, limiting the potential operational changes for Air Combat Command.

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Beyond this explainer

Questions worth asking

Ideas the web ties closely to this story that the explainer doesn't mention. These are prompts for your own research: Brind hasn't answered them.

  • About Edwards Air Force Base

    If the commercial range access model is adopted, how might it change the process for high-speed flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base?

  • About Dyess Air Force Base

    Given the Army's move to open ranges, how might Dyess Air Force Base adapt its testing protocols to accommodate private industry involvement?

  • About Eielson Air Force Base

    Could Eielson Air Force Base implement similar commercial testing models to accelerate the integration of new technologies into Air Combat Command missions?

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The full eventAir Force Studying Army's Model for Commercial Military Range Access Everything aboutAir Combat Command

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.