John Boyd and John Warden: Air Power's Quest for Strategic Paralysis.
Abstract
Throughout air power's inaugural century, theorists have posited numerous schemes to best exploit the inherent flexibility and ubiquity of the aircraft as a tool of war. The evolution of air power theory has been fashioned by harsh lessons of war, remarkable advances in technology, and the visionary concepts of a few select airmen. Two modern day theorists, Colonels John Boyd and John Warden, have significantly contributed to this evolution through their respective works on strategic paralysis. Although currently in vogue in the aftermath of Desert Storm, the notion of strategic paralysis has a long history. Its roots reach back to the writings of the Eastern philosopher of war- Sun Tzu. The quest for paralysis underpins all theories of strategic and conventional aerial warfare. Characterized by its nonlethal intent and promise of force economization, strategic paralysis differs markedly from the more traditional strategies of annihilation and attrition. Boyd and Warden represent a major transition in the evolution of air power doctrine. In contrast to the traditional theory, Boyd and Warden contend that an air campaign should target enemy command and control. This is control warfare based upon command targeting, not economic warfare based upon industrial targeting. The present Information Revolution will likely change the focus again, shifting toward decentralized targets of noncooperative centers of gravity- horizontal information channels instead of vertical, hierarchical command channels. John Boyd and John Warden have contributed significantly to this evolutionary process of air theory development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA291621
Entities
People
- David S. Fadok
Organizations
- Air University