Bossier City, La. – On April 24, Major General Jason Armagost, Commander of the 8th Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center (J-GSOC), met with key leaders from Louisiana’s defense ecosystem to discuss strengthening support for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base.
The meeting, hosted by BRF’s Collaboration Link division, brought together representatives from the Air and Space Forces Association, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the Military Officers Association of America, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Military Affairs Council, and Barksdale Forward.
A highlight of the event was a fireside chat between Maj. Gen. Armagost and retired Lt. Gen. Bob Elder, former Commander of the 8th Air Force and current Chair of the Collaboration Link Board. Lt. Gen. Elder also represents Louisiana on the Air and Space Forces Association board and serves on national NDIA committees for cyber-augmented operations.
Maj. Gen. Armagost offered an overview of the current and future mission sets of the 8th Air Force and J-GSOC, as well as insight into the evolving posture of AFGSC. His discussion underscored the critical role that local professional associations play in aligning with national defense priorities and supporting service members stationed in the region.
“This event was designed to reconnect and realign the professional associations that support AFGSC, the 8th Air Force, and Barksdale Air Force Base,” said Brandon Jacobson, Executive Director of Collaboration Link. “Some of these organizations remained active during COVID, while others have atrophied. This gathering was a valuable opportunity to refocus our collective efforts.”
Jacobson, who also serves as Vice President of both the Air and Space Forces Association’s Ark-La-Tex Chapter and the NDIA’s Red River Chapter, emphasized the importance of these organizations in fostering networking, advocacy, and regional economic development.
“Professional associations are essential for defense-sector innovation and workforce growth,” he said. “If you’re looking for a way to get involved in supporting our nation’s military and strengthening our regional defense posture, this is the time.”
About BRF
BRF is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to diversifying and growing the economy of North Louisiana. Through its defense-focused division, Collaboration Link, BRF helps promote innovation and solve U.S. Air Force challenges while building a regional industrial base in support of AFGSC and Barksdale AFB.
About Collaboration Link
A division of BRF, Collaboration Link fosters an innovation and defense ecosystem aligned with Air Force needs. It co-hosts the annual Nuclear Triad Symposium at LSUS and works year-round to strengthen local defense engagement.
To learn more or get involved, contact Brandon Jacobson at [email protected].