In Search of an Identity

Inevitably leads to exposure to Air Force core competencies. As a tourist visiting the Air Force Museum, a contractor working with Wright laboratories, on the Joint Staff, or Air Staff, core competencies will be part of the interaction. But, what are core competencies, where did they come from, why does the Air Force have them, and, more importantly, what are their implications? This paper tackles those questions. Additionally, it will offer an alternative framework to the present application of Air Force core competencies.the background information of their origin. This consists of a historical analysis, starting with the concepts incorporated in the documents published at the time the Air Force gained its independence, through significant documents up to the 1996 Global Engagement: A Vision for the 21st Century Air Force. competencies. To do so, three probable explanations are evaluated using Graham T. Allison's decision making framework. Understanding why the Air Force has core competencies lends a great deal of insight in their role in shaping the future Air Force.competencies. The approach here is to examine how core competencies are being applied in the Air Force. Coupled with the insight into why the Air Force has them, one can get an appreciation for their proper application and determine if the Air Force is using them wisely. identifying and working with core competencies. Using the insights attained through the previous analysis of core competencies, a clear, more straight forward approach was developed. This includes both an alternative set of core competencies and supporting "operational concepts," as well as a framework for connecting core competencies to both inside and outside the service. framework for the Air Force. They shape the budget, as well as the plans and programs for the future. This, in turn, impacts force structure and operational capabilities.