A New Order of Things: Hap Arnold's Approach to Airpower Innovation 1907-1938
Abstract
How does the U.S. Army implement new technologies into the military establishment given increasingly scarce resources and parochial views? The development of airpower during the interwar period provides a good example of how to meet the challenges of organizational leadership in guiding innovation on a large scale. During this period, early airpower leaders faced one of the greatest challenges to innovation in American history, that of implementing the new technology of aviation. This paper surveys General of the Air Force Henry H. "Hap" Arnold's example of organizational leadership of innovation during a time of extreme transformation similar to the period the Army is about to enter. This study assesses Arnold's approach to airpower innovation using current doctrine and academic leadership models. The monograph begins by contrasting Colonel Billy Mitchell's failed approach to Army airpower innovation with the relative success of Admiral William Moffett's approach in the Navy. The study then assesses Arnold's approach, highlighting successes, and extracting lessons that future leaders may apply to innovation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1003955
Entities
People
- Anthony W. Hudson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College