Developing Aerospace Leaders for the Twenty-First Century: A Historical Context for the DAL Concept
Abstract
Why is the Developing Aerospace Leaders (DAL) initiative needed? Dr. Thirtle points to a lack of unifying vision and the growth of occupationalism in the Air Force. In this article, reminiscent of Carl Builder's book "The Icarus Syndrome," he states DAL's objectives and explains why it is necessary to recapture the "heart and soul" of the service through deliberate cultivation of the aerospace power mind-set. DAL was Instituted by General Michael E. Ryan in March 2000 to examine and recommend actions necessary to prepare future officers for Air Force leadership. Although General Ryan originally established DAL with a two-year charter, he has indicated that "the DAL project is not an end state, but a continuing process." To fulfill part of the charter, the DAL program office will identify and modify counterproductive policies, practices, and procedures as well as explore and recommend processes to support and make the best practices routine. DAL objectives include establishing processes and procedures that build a senior leadership corps able to understand national security interests and fully exploit the aerospace domain to support national objectives; develop, cultivate, and maintain operational competence in the medium of aerospace; envision, develop, acquire, sustain, support, and employ capabilities that exploit the aerospace domain to create military effects; and communicate the absolute and relative value of aerospace capabilities to the American people and their representatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA517236
Entities
People
- Mike Thirtle
Organizations
- Air University