He said the fusion of air and space operations are paramount to the overall challenge of maintaining superiority in the next millennium.

"We need to do integration of all of our systems and people," Peters said. "It is a vision. It is not today a reality, but it is absolutely somewhere we must go."

Peters said the use of Predator real-time targeting aircraft and U-2 reconnaissance operating systems during the Kosovo air campaign were steps toward air and space integration. Using Predators, ground communications technicians gathered data from satellites and relayed it to pilots. The U-2 gives the Air Force the ability to perform reconnaissance and intelligence work without deploying forward.

"With proper training and proper management, it is clear to me that we will be integrating many, many specialties in the command and control of aerospace forces," Peters said. "But if we are to do that, we have to change the way we train."

Such changes, the secretary said, include the aerospace basic course and Warrior Week, programs that educate officers and enlisted airmen on air and space operations. He also mentioned global engagement, a similar air and space fusion program for Air Force Academy cadets.

Given the investment in aerospace integration and other plans to maintain air supremacy, Peters said it is a challenging yet rewarding time to be in the Air Force. Funding is up for the first time in 14 years and new and rehabilitated systems coming on-line in addition to the quality of today's airmen mean "we have a real chance to build a 21st century air force that we can all be proud of," he said.

The expeditionary aerospace force concept can fulfill the vision of future air supremacy because it adds predictability in the lives of airmen, a vital aspect of keeping a quality people in the service.

"We will never fix the retention problem we have until we can guarantee each and every one of our men and women that during peace time, he or she can have a family; have time to participate in community affairs and get an education, and have a personal life," Peters said.

"That's what EAF is all about. Will it (initiating the EAF concept Oct. 1) be pretty? I bet it won't be. Will it bring instant relief? Absolutely not. Will it ultimately work? I think it will," he added Peters.