A Man for All Reason: General Larry D. Welch, 12th Chief of Staff, US Air Force
Abstract
This study examines General Larry D. Welch as the 12th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, from 1986 through 1990. The author reviews the formative experiences during the professional development of Welch from his enlistment in the Army National Guard until his assumption of command as the Chief. During Welchs tenure, many significant events transpired, from the dramatic end to the Cold War to the reforms of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act. Welch served at a time of significant change within the Air Force in response to new trends in the domestic and international environment. Welch participated in both strategic arms modernization and arms control during his tenure, shaping the future security environment and helping to bring about an end to the Cold War. He held sole responsibility for implementation of the Goldwater-Nichols Act within the Air Force. Further, he identified the need to enhance the development of future leaders of the Air Force, manifested in his reforms of the Officer Evaluation System and Professional Military Education. The passage of time has provided a lens through which to evaluate the specific contributions of Welch as Chief. Reviewing the 20 years since his retirement provides perspective from which to conduct an objective analysis of his effectiveness in posturing the Air Force for the future. The final section of this study provides analysis of Welch as the 12th Chief of Staff, and examines the lessons that should be derived from his leadership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1019366
Entities
People
- Nathan A. Mead
Organizations
- Air University