Fall of the Fighter Generals: The Future of USAF Leadership
Abstract
Fighter pilots dominate the senior leadership of the United States Air Force (USAF), holding 67 percent of the four-star general officer positions and commanding 63 percent of all major commands. Yet they make up only 5.3 percent of the force. Our last eight USAF Chiefs of Staff have been fighter pilots. They constitute an elite group which influences, if not outright controls, every aspect of the Air Force institution. Such dominant "elite" groups have a great deal to say about the vision, doctrine, budgeting, program priorities, and direction of any organization. Therefore, one can expect conflict among groups within any organization, all competing for influence. The belief is that if one group predominates the senior leadership, it usually controls the organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA407750
Entities
People
- Bruce Danskine
Organizations
- Air University