Essence of Aerospace Power. What Leaders Need to Know

摘要

The US Military became the ultimate victim of its own success following quiet victory in the Cold War and thunderous triumph in the Gulf War. Political decision makers challenged the need for such a powerful military when there appeared to be no 'peer competitors', and the downsizing began in earnest. The US Air Force's operational heart for the previous 45 years was ripped apart and replaced with smaller pieces in unfamiliar patterns. At the same time, a bewildering array of operational requirements began to stretch the reduced force to the limit. The angst and confusion created major leadership challenges, one of which was the need to redefine the Air Force. Three different Air Force vision statements appeared in just one decade: 'Global Reach, Global Power' in 1990; 'Global Engagement' in 1996; and 'Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power' in 2000. Adding to the muddle were the newly minted Air Force 'core competencies,' the 'basic areas of expertise the Air Force brings to any activity.' Unfortunately, even these were quickly amended to accommodate items apparently forgotten. The near-chaotic pace of change and the confusion it continues to generate present enormous leadership challenges that will likely remain with us well into the future. The key to success in dealing with these challenges lies in understanding what aerospace power is all about. After a century of experience in the air and over four decades in space, how can we articulate what makes aerospace power unique. This article answers that key question by deriving and examining the 'essence of aerospace power,' including its absolute requirements and very real limitations. It explains how the essence provides the psychological and operational rationale for an independent Air Force and looks at conceptual difficulties surrounding the space portion of aerospace power. Finally, the article casts a glance at the future by noting the dilemma facing airmen as they fly into the third millennium.