Airpower Reborn offers a conceptual approach to warfare that emphasizes airpower’s unique capability to achieve strategic effects. Six world-leading theorists argue that a viable strategy must transcend the purely military sphere; view the adversary as a multi-dimensional system; and pursue systemic paralysis and strategic effects rather than military destruction or attrition. The book is divided into three parts. The first section presents a historical perspective on airpower theory and airpower strategy; tracing their evolution from the 1920s to the 1980s. The second section contains in-depth examinations of the strategic concepts that John R. Boyd and John A. Warden developed in the 1980s and 1990s; with an emphasis on their contemporary relevance. The final section provides further context on modern airpower theory and strategy. Theory; in this setting; serves as the basic paradigm; strategy represents its generic; mechanisms-centered application; and plans of campaign constitute the specific steps for any given situation. In short; the authors look beyond the land-centric; battlefield-oriented paradigm that has continued to dominate military theories and strategies long after airpower offered new options. The book acknowledges the essential role of advanced technology in improving airpower capabilities; but emphasizes that air services must cultivate and harness the intellectual acumen of airmen and encourage officers and men to think conceptually and strategically about the application of aerospace power. Modern airpower can offer political decision-makers more and better options―provided the underlying strategy coherently links the application of airpower directly to the end-state objectives rather than limiting it to “the battle.†The book recommends that all countries should consider establishing a dynamic and vibrant environment for mastering aerospace history; theory; strategy; and doctrine; a milieu for cultivating broader knowledge of and insight into airpower; and a setting in which airpower experts have the opportunity to communicate their narrative to politicians; the media; and fellow officers; and to interact to mutual benefit with experts from all sectors of governance. This effort should emphasize the potentially unique contribution of airpower to political objectives and joint operations; and in turn connect to operational headquarters that do operational planning. Mastering such strategic thought lies at the heart of the military profession; but it requires in-depth knowledge and understanding of theory; strategy; and airpower; and transcends traditional metrics.
#4763469 in Books 2012-10-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.27 x .66 x 6.27l; .79 #File Name: 1611475783158 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book!By GunnyThis book is in diary form (with notes but the editors) and an easy read. I read it basically in a day. Marines of the day were (and still are) considered "landsmen" meaning they were about one or two steps up from "boy" ( a naval rank of the day). It takes time aboard ship for a Marine to get "salt" (experience) and Pvt. J. Gregg shows that in his writings. The editors show their lack of "salt" in their comments. Most of these are minor. The one thing that irritated me about the editors; was their dismissive attitude of Gregg observations of the officers. Gregg had an education as he was a teacher. It may have not been the best education one could obtain at the time; but it tells me that this Marine was with at least a fundamental education capable of analyzing the performance of work of others and the education to express it in writing. Moody and Sachse also miss the point that one who is "in-charge" is ultimately responsible for the performance of their subordinates. While this may be glossed over in the civilian world; it is held almost as law - which they sometimes like to overlook. Admiral Wilkes was disliked by Gregg (who wasn't the only one). One needs to read the books concerning the U.S. Exploring Expedition (or US Ex Ex). Adm Wilkes often exceeded his authority both with seniors and subordinates - an not in a good way.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. One of the few surviving diaries of a Civil War Marine.By Michael E. SteinThe Marines would start with about 1775 officers and men with a total of about 3900 having served by wars end. A very small number compared to the 2.5 million combined US regulars and volunteers of the land forces or the 110;000 sailors. These men signed a four year recruitment with the Department of Navy; a different cabinent secretary and different set of governing rules then the War Department. Their service was on blue water around the world maintaining and protecting US interests and from October 1862; expanded to include the inland waterways of America.Private Josiah Gregg will first board ship after four weeks. His ships will seek Confedrate raiders of US shipping; attack Mobile Bay and attack Fort Fisher. There will be entries of bouts with sea sickness; awaiting letters from home; shore leave and first hand accounts of Mobile Bay and Fort Fisher. The editors notes for the most part add clarification to Private Gregg's entries and only miss on very minor details. It is a great complement to 'A Civil War Marine at Sea: The diary of Medal of Honor Recipient Miles M. Oviatt.Other Marine personal diaries to read should include 'Civil War Marine: A Diary of the Red River Expedition; 1864' (2nd Lt Frank Church) and 'The Southern Journey of a Civil War Marine: The Illustrated Note-Book of Henry O. Gusley
