The Air Force Long Range Planning Organization: Speaking With One Voice
Abstract
The National Security Strategy of the United States calls for an increased emphasis on efficient use of the nations resources. Political and economic pressures are mounting for the military to justify its expenditures. Long-range planning is one of the methods the USAF is embracing to more efficiently and effectively use the nation s resources in these uncertain times. The USAF has recently reorganized, with the new DCS Plans & Programs responsible for the Air Force s long-range planning. This study examines this latest reorganization and addresses these two questions: Should the Air Force reorganize its long-range planning efforts from the emerging status quo or use some other type or organization? For the given choice, are there potential hurdles to the successful institutionalization of long-range planning? The study first examines the history of long-range planning efforts within the USAF and delineates some of the organizational objectives and impediments to its institutionalization. Second, it describes two organizational options and compares their ability to ameliorate the hurdles to institutionalization. Third, what are the implications of this choice and potential hurdles it might face? Answering this question will highlight issues, which are addressed in the recommendations of this study. Past attempts at long-range planning present a significant impediment to the institu-tionalization of long-range planning within the Air Force. The history of the long-range planning process reveals a series of attempts to institutionalize it at the Air Staff level. Each attempt was pursued earnestly and resulted in some worthwhile products. However, none of the changes ever took root and produced lasting results for the Air Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA391329
Entities
People
- Jerry L. Gandy
Organizations
- Air University