Evolution of the USAF (United States Air Force) Senior Officer Combat Employment Course

摘要

For whatever the cause, the knowledge and the study of large unit operations within the United States Air Force, especially in a 'joint' environment, have steadily and continually declined. For years the pool of senior officers with warfighting experience made up for this deficiency. Now, however, in the absence of such experience and of adequate study, the Air Force must direct additional effort and focus to the most critical subject of all - warfighting. To correct this deficiency the Air Force Chief of Staff directed the Commander, Air University, to develop and implement a Senior Officer Combat Employment Course for selected senior warfighting general officers. The course is to provide a unique, operations and combat oriented experience, designed for USAF Air Component Commanders, to enhance their understanding of warfare and their ability to conduct air operations in a 'joint context'. The objectives of the course are to stimulate senior USAF officers thinking about warfighting and to enhance their ability to: 1) Formulate the objectives of airpower; 2) Integrate the combat capabilities of all assets; 3) Make sound, well-reasoned decisions; and 4) Apply air doctrine in a joint environment. (Author)