Unlock the full potential of Air University's Warfighter Advantage Research (WAR) program by becoming a sponsor--partner with our diverse and career-spanning student body, benefit from the expertise of our subject matter experts, and tackle pressing challenges for your organization. Our WARs are built around two-term elective courses with handpicked AWC and ACSC students who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.
By sponsoring a WAR, you gain access to a collaborative environment where experienced researchers and AU faculty drive academic scholarship. We invite sponsors to contribute data sets, financial support, access to your own experts, or provide iterative, multi-year problem sets for our students to work on.
To get involved, all you need is a specific problem set, a commitment to work with our talented faculty and students, and any necessary external funding. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future with real-world solutions. Contact us today to discuss your WAR sponsorship and how we can work together to achieve your goals.
If your organization is interested in sponsoring a WAR or other AU scholarship, please contact us at OfficeOfSponsoredPrograms@au.af.edu.
Multiple WARs study questions and develop research answers for specific leaders. Our research task forces, housed at the Air War College and at Air Command and Staff College, include the following for AY26:
Disruptive Technology (Previously Ideas & Weapons/Ethics and Technology, Iterative from AY25)
Sponsor: 16th Air Force (16AF) & Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Supervising Faculty: Dr. Daniel Strand
Purpose: The Disruptive Technology WAR will analyze the evolving character of warfare, focusing on emerging technologies that fundamentally reshape warfighting domains. Artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, cyber warfare, and sensor fusion are revolutionizing decision cycles and operational effectiveness in both tactical and strategic scenarios. This task force seeks to evaluate disruptive innovations developed by the U.S., China, Russia, and other adversaries to identify their implications on future conflicts.
Connection to Warfighting & Lethality:
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Analyze adversary advancements in AI-driven warfare, unmanned systems, cyber operations, and ISR capabilities to assess their impact on joint force survivability and mission execution.
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Develop strategic, operational, and tactical recommendations for integrating emerging technologies into warfighting constructs while maintaining ethical and lawful adherence to the profession of arms.
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Examine the role of AI-powered mission planning tools such as DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) in shaping future air combat operations, autonomous decision-making, and force-multiplication strategies.
Research Approach: Through engagement with AFRL, 16AF, and defense technology experts, this task force will conduct wargaming exercises, strategic assessments, and comparative analysis of global technological trends in warfare. The findings will inform doctrinal updates, procurement strategies, and operational frameworks to ensure U.S. warfighters maintain a decisive advantage.
Alpha Blue (Previously iRTF, Iterative from AY25)
Sponsor: Air Force Futures (AF Futures) Supervising Faculty: Dr. Bill DeMarco
Purpose: The Alpha Blue WAR will examine how autonomous systems, AI, and human-machine teaming enhance warfighting and joint operational lethality. By integrating futures literacy, strategic foresight, and innovation methodologies, this research effort will generate actionable recommendations to ensure the Air Force and Joint Force maintain technological superiority and adaptability in future conflicts.
Connection to Warfighting & Lethality:
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Supports J7 Topic: Logistics Under Threat, specifically in mobilization, surge capabilities, and sustainment across contested theaters.
Research Approach: Alpha Blue will combine field exercises, guest lectures, and practical exposure to AI-driven warfighting capabilities. The curriculum includes direct engagement with drone technology, human-machine teaming scenarios, and operational concept development. The findings will drive policy refinement, doctrinal adaptation, and leadership education to enable warfighters to harness disruptive technologies with maximum lethality.
Taiwan Deterrence and Warfighting Research (Iterative from AY25)
Sponsor: SAF/IA & PACAF A5 Supervising Faculty: Dr. Jared McKinney
Purpose: TDWAR focuses on the operational and strategic dimensions of Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities as mandated under the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8, 1979). This WAR employs academic research and wargaming to develop new deterrence strategies against Chinese aggression while ensuring Taiwan’s defensive readiness.
Connection to Warfighting & Lethality:
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Aligned with J7 Topic: The Indirect Approach, TDWAR analyzes non-attributable, asymmetric, and indirect actions that strengthen Taiwan’s ability to deter aggression while minimizing global conflict escalation.
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Research incorporates cross-AU collaboration across Squadron Officer School (SOS), Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), and Air War College (AWC), linking tactical, operational, and strategic deterrence concepts.
Research Approach: TDWAR integrates wargaming simulations, academic publication efforts, international officer participation (including Taiwan and regional neighbors), and briefings to senior leaders. The findings drive joint force campaign planning and cross-domain deterrence strategies.
Russia Strategic Military Problem Sets (Iterative from AY25)
Sponsor: Russia Strategic Initiative (RSI), U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Supervising Faculty: Dr. Andy Akin
Purpose: This program trains specialists in Russian strategic military problem sets, equipping participants to analyze and exploit the Russian Federation’s key military enablers and vulnerabilities. Research focuses on warfighting adaptations, emerging battlefield technologies, and strategic deterrence against Russian aggression.
Connection to Warfighting & Lethality:
Research Approach: combines policy analysis, operational wargaming, and military technology assessments to develop recommendations for joint force implementation. Findings will support U.S. strategies for countering Russian threats and enhancing battlefield dominance.
Past problem sets include: