Air Force general defends incendiary memo but says ‘war is not inevitable’
Minihan says a mindset of urgency helped produce three “game-changing” concepts in a recent exercise.
AUDREY DECKER | SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
AIR FORCE CHINA SHOW NEWS
A contentious memo penned by Gen. Mike Minihan was intended to create a sense of urgency for his troops, the Air Mobility Command leader said, adding that this mindset delivered “success” in the organization’s recent exercise.
Minihan’s memo, which circulated earlier this year, predicted war with China by 2025 and instructed AMC commanders to report all major efforts to prepare for “the China fight.” After the memo drew criticism, Pentagon officials distanced themselves from its remarks.
Asked last week whether he still thinks the U.S. will fight in the Pacific within two years, Minihan said, “My assessment is that war is not inevitable, but the readiness I’m driving with that timeline is absolutely essential to deterrence and absolutely essential to the decisive victory.”
https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2023/09/air-force-general-defends-incendiary-memo-says-war-not-inevitable/390467/
