Enough Space Control to Rule the Air: The Recommended Future of the Air Force
Abstract
This thesis examines the impact of the creation of the Space Force on the Air Force. The creation of the Space Force removed space war-fighting from the responsibility of the Air Force. This thesis poses the question of what should be the ensuing identity of the Air Force and what elements of space should the Air Force retain. The thesis draws upon professional evolution theory for an overall theoretical framework and characterizes the services as professions that gain and maintain jurisdiction over tasks in domains crucial to mission accomplishment. Using a developed framework of four analytical lensesorganization, technology, physical environment, and culturethe thesis uses a historical analysis of the birth of the Air Force and analyzes how the Army and Navy responded to the arrival of a new service. After analyzing the Army and Navys reactions, the thesis filters potential lessons through two key differencesthe enduring effects of the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act and the unique nature of the space domain. Finally, the thesis provides recommendations in the four analytical areas regarding what space capabilities the Air Force should retain. The thesis identifies driving motivations around the birth of the Air Force to provide insights about a future Air Force identity, and provides recommendations using organizational culture theory as to how to achieve an air-centric identity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1112585
Entities
People
- Edemumo K. Oboho
Organizations
- Air University