Excellence in Tactical Fighter Squadrons

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to identify the attributes of excellence in tactical fighter squadrons and how that excellence is achieved. The research question was: do the top performing tactical fighter squadrons share common attributes of excellence? If so, what are those attributes? The research followed a two part qualitative methodology. Part I consisted of interviews with 51 general officers and colonels currently assigned to key leadership positions in Tactical Air Command. Each officer was asked for his definition of an excellent tactical fighter squadron, and to identify squadrons he considers to be excellent. The research indicates that TAC's senior officers focus on a range of qualitative issues. Chapters II to V focuses on these issues. All senior officers agreed that the level of performance among all squadrons in TAC is extremely high, nevertheless, there are some squadrons which are clearly outperforming the others. Based on their nominations, seven excellent squadrons were identified. This research identified certain common attributes among these four excellent squadrons. These are summarized in Chapters VII to XII, The Facets of Excellence. Findings indicate that some items of a non-quantifiable nature are extremely important in recognizing, achieving and maintaining excellence in the tactical fighter environment. Keywords: Leadership; Organizational Effectiveness.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1985
Accession Number
ADA159372

Entities

People

  • Hugh A. Forde

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Education
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • General Officers
  • Military Education
  • Military Science
  • Operational Readiness
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Security
  • Social Psychology
  • Standards
  • Statistics
  • Students
  • Training
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military Leadership and Professional Education.
  • Systems Analysis and Design