Twelve Principles Emerging from Ten Propositions
Abstract
The strengths of "10 Propositions Regarding Air Power," by Colonel Phillip S. Meilinger, are that the volume is simple, slim, assertive, and challenging. These characteristics also contribute to a few of its weaknesses. Because it seems to aim at being a book of airmen's aphorisms, it is necessarily as insubstantial in the depth and strength of many of its arguments as it is slim in size. Its many assertions are not allotted the space to be buttressed by as many proofs. Consequently, elements of some propositions challenge logic, history, and some of the empirical data we have on the "power" of airpower. Yet, consider that the book was not written for scholars. Consider that the book, where it is faithful to its lofty ideal, is not analysis as much as it is pocket-size synthesis. What is new and good here is a superior idea, executed well: give airmen something simple and fairly solid to stimulate their thinking about air and space power. Without overlooking the arguable soft spots and hyperbole in "10 Propositions," perhaps airmen can get even greater discernment by a transformational critique of the work. The goal of this critique is to take what's likelier than not true in "10 Propositions" and transform "proposition" into "principle." In doing so, 12 principles emerge: (1) A proposition is an assertion, not a proof or a truth; (2) Control the heights or pay the price; (3) Airpower can be a peculiarly "strategic" force; (4) Strike the enemy to create opportunities; (5) Airpower is about applying force to nodes, processes, webs, intersections, and unions; (6) Enemies are bound to be resilient; (7) Combined arms aim at convergent effects; (8) Mass is concentrated force; (9) The object of force application determines the form of force control; (10) The informed application of superior technology can vitiate the enemy; (11) Technology is unconfinable; and (12) Effective integration can produce superior force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA531626
Entities
People
- Richard Szafranski
Organizations
- Air War College