"Global Reach-Global Power" Air Force Strategic Vision, Past and Future

Abstract

The analysis presented in this thesis evaluates the contents of past Air Force strategic vision documents and studies the process used to create such documents. The thesis argument is that strategic vision document can fulfill important functions for an organization, and that greater attention to the process of creating these documents can result in a more effective final product. The author defines a strategic vision document as a formal, written product endorsed by the organization's senior leader that provides broad and motivational guidance for the organization in the present while providing sage direction for the future. Based on current literature addressing the subject, the author proposes a framework of three attributes and two functions for strategic vision statements. The attributes of such statements are a declaration of organizational identity, a disclosure of future goals, and a view of the methods by which goals will be met. The two functions of strategic vision are to unify internally and advocate externally. Within this framework the author examines three past Air Force strategic vision documents for content and details the known processes behind their creation and distribution: General Arnold's 1945 report Air Power and the Future, the 1990 White Paper The Air Force and US. National Security: Global Reach Global Power, and the 1992 White Paper Global Reach Global Power: The Evolving Air Force Contribution to National Security. Additionally, the author discusses the processes involved in two other official works, Global Presence and the on-going efforts aimed at creating a new Air Force strategic vision.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA391363

Entities

People

  • Barbara J. Faulkenberry

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Army Personnel
  • Employment
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Schools
  • Space Systems
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).