Turn Points in the Air Using Historical Examples to Illustrate USAF Doctrine
Abstract
This paper will examine how history is currently used in promulgating doctrine, and offer suggestions where appropriate. Specific questions to be examined are: (1) Is there evidence to support the hypothesis that airmen have over the last several decades developed an anti-doctrinal bias? (2) If there is evidence of such a historical bias, does the current Air Force culture retain this bias? (3) If so, what procedural steps should be implemented in order to reverse such a bias? (4) In what ways can historical examples prove useful in the doctrine process? (5) What elements of doctrine should be supported with historical illustrations? (6) Can these illustrations be used to assemble a comprehensive anthology of the Air Force s major doctrinal shifts? and (7) How can the Air Force best present historical examples within the doctrinal manuals? Research for this project was conducted by reviewing appropriate historical literature and through personal discussions with select personnel in the Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education (CADRE) currently developing formal operational level doctrine. There is ample evidence to suggest that the Air Force retains a long-standing antidoctrinal bias, at least at the basic and operational levels. This bias has resulted in an institution that places little value on the significance of doctrine. Procedural corrections are offered in order to correct how the Air Force organizes, writes, and promulgates doctrine. The anti-doctrinal bias has also contributed to a lack of historical examples to illuminate its doctrine. Without such examples, a number of problems surface that make the Air Force less effective. Probably the worst of the problems is that it is ill-equipped to judge the validity of its doctrine and to recognize the need for adjustment when conditions change beyond the current framework.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA398245
Entities
People
- Bruce L. Curry
Organizations
- Air War College