Senior Air Force leaders, scholars discuss national security challenges by Alicia Garges Space and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs 4/29/2011 - LOS ANGELES (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and several other senior Air Force leaders participated in the third annual National Security Scholars Conference at the University of Southern California campus here April 26. The conference provided an opportunity for foreign policy and international security experts from 14 different West Coast universities and think tanks to discuss with senior service leaders the Air Force's strategic direction and its contribution to national defense. This year's conference was co-hosted by the Air Force and USC. Panel discussions and presentations focused on the challenges affecting U.S. national security, overseas contingencies and developments in warfare. The conference also included a luncheon where attending participants and USC student representatives heard remarks by Secretary Donley and were able to ask questions of the Air Force's top leaders. During the luncheon, the secretary addressed the proliferation of technology around the world, pointing out that more countries today can build or buy advanced technology. "It's important that the U.S. Air Force maintain the qualitative edge," he said. While the Air Force has shrunk in size, experienced challenges in modernization efforts and faced budget constraints, it still maintains the best science and technology programs, he added. During his remarks, Secretary Donley also encouraged attending students to "bloom where planted" and always leave an organization better than when they arrived. "Work hard at what you do, learn all you can about an organization, make a contribution and be open to new opportunities," he said. Additionally, he stressed the importance of collaboration. "Everything in life is a team sport," he said.