Gen. David L. Goldfein, chief of staff at the U.S. Air Force, has said the service branch will provide $64 million to fund innovation efforts that seek to increase airmen readiness and force lethality.
The Air Force said Friday the money will serve as “seed” funds for total force squadrons pursuing new ideas and technology platforms in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Part of the job of leaders is to unleash that brilliance and to create an environment where young folks with good ideas actually can get a hearing,†said Goldfein said.
“We can give them some resources and time and energy to allow them to pursue those ideas and see where it goes,” he added.
The service branch’s “Squadron Innovation Fund†builds on a 99th Reconnaissance Squadron asset development program that aimed to address mission requirements.
The Air Force plans to use its AFwerX program and innovation network to encourage cooperation among squadrons.
