The Changing Character of Orientation in Airpower
Abstract
Airpower began with a reputation for thinking ahead of technology. Indeed, the strategic claims of Guilio Douhet and Billy Mitchell were considered outrageous at the time. Imagine aerial bombardment devastating cities and coercing surrender; long-range battleplanes outrunning pursuit aircraft and sinking battleships; and an airpower industry defending the nation and defining its international presence and power. These visionary claims took time to realize, and in varying degrees of success and moral contention. Fortunately, recent airpower theorists, have been, like Mitchell, experienced Airmen who tested innovations in combat. John Boyds OODA loop, John Wardens concentric rings, and Dave Deptulas effects-based approach to integration operationalized new concepts that improved military performance. Critics charge that such notions over-promise strategic effects. This is true for any approach restricted to single domain analysis, or to only the military aspects of strategy. So airpower needs to be viewed in a broader context, even beyond its own expanding technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1015222
Entities
People
- Daniel S. Yinger
- Thomas A. Drohan
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy