USAFA Official Rates Mideast Air Picture Effort as 'B-minus'

The U.S.-led effort to develop a common air-threat picture in the Middle East is making "slow but steady progress," according to Air Force Central Command's Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. David Mineau. As threats rise in the region, AFCENT is working with allies and security partners to develop a shared operating picture and threat-warning display. The command is integrating operations and strategy with 17 partners at the Combined Air Operations Center in Qatar, but the right policies and trust-building are still needed to share information effectively. AFCENT is also using artificial intelligence to sift through data and suggest courses of action, emphasizing that AI will not make decisions but assist in organizing options.