Understanding the Nature of Doctrine: an Essential First Step

摘要

This paper attempts to challenge the reader with a number of basic questions concerning the essential nature of doctrine in general, and space doctrine in particular. It also poses several questions concerning the process by which doctrine evolves or, alternatively, the process by which it can be systematically developed. The motiviation for this paper was a concern by the authors that the basic concept of doctrine and its role in the Air Force decision-making structure is not well or widely understood and that a clearer, more common understanding of this notion is an essential prerequisite to meaningful dialogue directed at the development of military space doctrine. Quite simply, before we embark on any journey toward the development of space doctrine, we need to have a clear understanding of our destination and the road we will take to get there. (Author)