Digital Transformation in the Department of the Air Force

This report outlines the recommendations for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to embrace digital transformation to achieve dominance in evolving operational environments. It emphasizes the need for an enterprise digital engineering architecture and a comprehensive digital strategy to facilitate rapid design iteration and enhance development and deployment processes. The report identifies high-priority elements essential for accelerating digital transformation, including effective leadership, appropriate funding mechanisms, and standardized software and data governance. It also highlights successful digital engineering initiatives within the DAF, such as the Air Force Materiel Command's strategy for Digital Materiel Management and the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer's development through digital engineering. Furthermore, the report discusses the importance of establishing a seamless digital thread to ensure traceability across the system life cycle and advocates for strengthened digital leadership and resourcing to support these initiatives. The recommendations aim to unify digital priorities and enhance the DAF's overall digital capabilities.