The 2023 A/TA Convention: Irreversible Momentum

The overall theme at the 55th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association (A/TA) Convention and the A/TA Air Mobility Symposium & Technology Exposition was clear: Air Mobility Command (AMC) is dedicated to ensuring the United States can meet the complex challenges posed by the rise of China as a global power.

The conference featured keynote speakers and seminars on shaping Mobility Warriors who effectively project the Joint Force and America’s lethality. In an era marked by strategic competition, AMC’s commitment to readiness is central to safeguarding American interests. The increasingly dynamic geopolitical environment means it is essential for AMC to maintain strong and agile forces.

That is why, at the 2023 A/TA convention, United States Air Force (USAF) leaders emphasized complacency is not an option; as AMC Command CMSgt Jamie L. Newman shared, Mobility Warriors can never be too ready.

A/TA is a cornerstone event that catalyzes collaboration, recognition, and education within the air mobility community. Event attendees included members from active duty, Reserve, National Guard, Department of Defense Civilians, retired military, and the aerospace industry. Among the guests were USAF leaders, including CMSgt of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass; Gen Mike Minihan, Commander of AMC; Lt Gen Brian Robinson, Commander of Air Education and Training Command; Lt Gen Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command; AMC Command CMSgt Jamie L. Newman; and many more great leaders.

This year’s convention occurred at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, November 9-12.

For those who attended, it was evident that the time to prepare for anything is now, especially with the preeminent threats in the Indo-Pacific area of operations (AOR). In recent exercises, such as Mobility Guardian 2023 (MG23) in the Indo-Pacific AOR, Mobility Airmen were challenged to operate in chaotic, contested environments. Exercises are important, as emphasized at the 2023 A/TA events, for pressure must be simulated within them to increase readiness.

According to Minihan, MG23 “was designed to make it hard so that we could get the insights that we need to get better. And you demonstrated to the Air Force … and to the world that we can thrive when things weren’t perfect.” The general stressed that Airmen must embrace the opportunity to shape the environment—not just react to it.

The ability to rise to the occasion and grow stronger than any challenges faced is what Minihan refers to as “irreversible momentum.” The concept is about driving forward with determination and resolve, setting ambitious goals, and achieving them with unwavering commitment. The General set an aggressive timeline to achieve this ambitious outcome—June 30, 2024—mentioning that AMC has done the crawl, walk, and run, and now it is time for the sprint.

This sprint involves being more ready, integrated, and agile; this preparedness must aggressively close any gaps, for much is at stake. “Our prestige, our freedom, all the things we cherish are in jeopardy if we don’t do it right,” Minihan declared. “And there is nothing more powerful than an American team that believes in itself—and this team does! We’ve got this. We absolutely got this.”

The USAF, as a whole, is fighting to fill these gaps. Secretary of the Air Force Mr. Frank Kendall III, in a September 2023 memo, wrote that the USAF is not postured for great power competition. Still, its leaders across the board are focused on ensuring the Air Force is re-optimized to be the force the nation needs at any time and at any place.

Bass also spoke along these lines, stating that “sophisticated enemies” have been “moving out fast, and every one of our Airmen serving in today’s military has to understand that. What I ask every single one of our Airmen is, I just ask you to make your service better. Make your career field better. Make your unit better.”

Airmen who notably displayed spirited service were celebrated in various award ceremonies throughout the convention. Awards for outstanding effort, leadership demonstrations, and unique accomplishments were distributed.

Airmen who demonstrated outstanding contributions to the mobility mission were also chosen for a panel discussion on their unique experiences in recent world events and to summarize what AMC needs. The themes addressed were to keep the momentum, improve training, and increase connection within teams—both wingman to wingman and through leadership.

During the convention, leaders remarked on the amazing accomplishments of the Air Mobility family. Airmen are becoming multi-capable and successfully navigating in contested environments. With no shortage of recent global events, Airmen have shown their readiness. This momentum must keep going! Throughout the history of Air Mobility, Airmen have been spirited to rise to the top. Such determination will continue as, with sophisticated threats, Airmen can never be too ready.

Therefore, Minihan’s address at the annual A/TA convention served as a rallying cry for the Air Mobility community. The 2023 event showcased that Mobility Airmen will never settle for ready enough.

For information about future A/TA conventions, please visit https://www.atalink.org.

ABOUT A/TA
A/TA is an organization with a noble mission: to ensure that the American military retains the air mobility capabilities necessary for implementing U.S. national security strategy. As a Section 501(c)(3)e tax-exempt organization, A/TA is committed to serving as a platform for professionals, both military and civilian, and industry supporters to come together and advance the vital field of air mobility. With its international scope and diverse membership, the A/TA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of military aviation.