China Aerospace Studies Institute
History and Organization:
- Became a USAF-supported organization under the LeMay Center in 2017
- Currently eight members (PhD Director, three uniformed USAF, 4 additional civilians). All speak/read/write Chinese. Split between offices at Maxwell AFB and Washington DC.
CASI Charter:
- Mission: To advance understanding of strategy, doctrine, operating concepts, capabilities, personnel, training, & organization of China’s aerospace forces & the civilian & commercial infrastructure that supports them.
- CSAF-Directed Priorities:
- Conduct primary source research and translation
- Assist during wargaming & expand the warfighter understanding of Chinese aerospace and strategic thinking
- Educate the force on Chinese aerospace, including lectures at Professional Military Education
- Engage with the community of interest outside of the Department of the Air Force
China Toolkit:
- Ready-made briefings for Command Teams
- CASI-produced video series on Strategic Competition
Summary:
CASI conducts research crucial to improving DAF understanding of China’s air, space, and missile forces and sharpens the competitive mindset of Airmen and Guardians with the understanding that what we do today directly impacts how we approach tomorrow’s challenges.