AFLCMC Leadership Log Episode 107: A history of AFLCMC's predecessors

Early aviation history has many connections to the Dayton, Ohio area, and through a series of events and the needs for the United States, modern Air Force development and procurement also maintained a presence in the region, with far-reaching consequences. In this “Leadership Log,” Historian Kevin Rusnak guides listeners through aviation’s roots in Ohio, how world events impacted the U.S. Army’s aviation efforts, and how a burgeoning Air Force created and evolved its support, technical and acquisition abilities to serve challenges of the Cold War era. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Joe Danielewicz)

Historian discusses aviation innovation that led to modern-era Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (PODCAST)

Published Feb. 16, 2024
By Joe Danielewicz, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

In AFLCMC’s newest “Leadership Log” podcast, Chief Historian Kevin Rusnak talks about how aviation’s roots in Ohio, the world events that impacted the U.S. Army’s aviation efforts, and how a burgeoning Air Force created and evolved its support, technical and acquisition abilities to serve challenges of the Cold War era. In this extended conversation, Rusnak discusses:

Why aviation development grew in the Dayton, Ohio region and remained a constant presence
How the Army responded to procuring aviation assets for World War I
What the “interwar period” meant for aircraft suppliers and government research efforts
How airplane procurement practices evolved during World War II
How the newly-established Air Force worked to meet development and acquisition priorities during the Cold War
How Cold War acquisition offers lessons for present-day challenges

To hear the full conversation, watch above or on YouTube. You can also listen by searching “Leadership Log” on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Radio Public or Breaker.