Author Archive

Deborah Lee James

Former Air Force Secretary

Deborah Lee James
Deborah Lee James was the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force and is a board director of the Atlantic Council and a co-chair of its Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption.
Ideas

Want More Pentagon Innovation? Try This Experiment

A former Defense Secretary and Air Force Secretary propose more budgetary flexibility and a new approach to program management.

  • Mark Esper and Deborah Lee James
Ideas

The US Air Force Is Short 700 Fighter Pilots. Here’s Our Plan to Fix That.

Busier but smaller than ever, the Air Force needs higher bonuses and more family time to help compete with commercial airlines and the economy.

  • Deborah Lee James and Gen. Dave Goldfein
Ideas

Meet the Air Force’s New Acquisition System

We’re creating a new way of developing, building and buying that works better for the service and the defense industry. Here’s how.

  • Deborah Lee James
Ideas

The Air Force’s Quiet Energy Revolution

Now, more than ever, energy is a critical means to maintain our strategic advantage. By Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James

  • Deborah Lee James