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In this month’s AFJ, we examine the potential of the unmanned era. Air Force Institute research professor Adam Lowther’s cover article asks whether it’s time to pursue a long-range, unmanned and nuclear armed bomber. And in the opening essay, P.W. Singer looks at how the rapidly expanding use of unmanned systems will affect command leadership on the battlefield.

We also examine Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ 2010 budget proposal, focusing particularly on his decision to cancel the Future Combat Systems vehicle program. A two-part analysis by Tom Donnelly and Bob Killebrew delves into the decision’s long-term impact on the Army.

And industry columnist Scott Hamilton analyzes the budget from the defense manufacturer perspective. Who wins? Who loses? Which companies are best positioned to adapt to the program and acquisition changes this budget encompasses?

David Wise assesses the Navy’s maritime strategy document and whether it goes far enough to shake the service out of its carrier-focused culture.

Capt. Robert Chamberlain offers a sideways, highly entertaining look at counterinsurgency and the art of advising through the lens of the unfortunate video game star Leeroy Jenkins.

And in Perspectives, Maj. David Bigelow, an Army officer with experience in working with contractors on large projects, offers tips on managing the minefield that is the contract, while Col. Ray Jones makes the case that Joint can’t happen if you can’t communicate — cue the JTRS radio.