In a memo sent Friday and obtained by NBC News, four-star Air Force general Mike Minihan predicts an upcoming war with China. Gen. Mike Minihan, head of Air Mobility Command, stated, “I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me will fight in 2025.” Addressed to all air wing commanders in Air Mobility Command and other Air Force operational commanders, Minihan orders them all to “report all major efforts to prepare for the China fight to Minihan by Feb. 28” reports NBC News.
In the memo, Minihan indicated the likelihood because both Taiwan and the U.S. will have presidential elections in 2024. Thus, the U.S. will be “distracted,” and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have an opportunity to move on Taiwan.
Minihan lays out plans for “a fortified, ready, integrated, and agile Joint Force Maneuver Team ready to fight and win inside the first island chain.”
NBC News details the plan as follows:
During the month of February, he directs all AMC personnel to “fire a clip into a 7-meter target with the full understanding that unrepentant lethality matters most. Aim for the head.” He also orders all personnel to update their records and emergency contacts.
In March he directs all AMC personnel to “consider their personal affairs and whether a visit should be scheduled with their servicing base legal office to ensure they are legally ready and prepared.”
The memo also urges them to get ready to prep by firing “a clip” at a target, and “aim for the head.” Minihan also suggests to accept some risk in training. “Run deliberately, not recklessly,” he writes, but later adds, “If you are comfortable in your approach to training, then you are not taking enough risk.”