1 Feb 2011

From the Mind to the Feet

The 12 essays in this volume examine the concept of intent in defense, security, and foreign-policy contexts. They provide operational and academic perspectives on measuring the intent of adversaries, including nation-states and nonstate actors, and understanding the relationship of intent to behavior. The essays apply the insights and methods of multiple disciplines—anthropology, psychology, political science, neuroscience, and others—to the study of intent, for which there is currently no coherent body of research. As Lt Gen Robert Elder, USAF, retired, notes, we are good at estimating an adversary’s capabilities but not as good at estimating his intent. To influence an adversary’s behavior, we must understand the perception-to-intent-to-action dynamic that underlies his behavior. This collection of essays, which emerged from a Department of Defense Strategic Multilayer Assessment,

2 Jan 2011

Air Force Strategy Study 2020-2030

In November 2009, Gen Norton A. Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff, tasked the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) to answer the following question: What critical capabilities—implemented by the combatant commanders—will the nation require of the Air Force by 2030? The AFRI team identified the nation’s vital interests: commerce; secure energy supplies; freedom of action at sea, in space, in cyberspace, and in the skies; nuclear deterrence; and regional stability. The team analyzed four future world scenarios—a peer competitor, resurgent power, failed state, and jihadist insurgency—in relation to the nation’s vital interests and the 12 Air Force core functions. The resulting analysis led to a synthesis of the core functions into five critical capabilities designed to meet the Air Force’s strategic challenges in 2030: power projection; freedom of action in air, space, and cyberspace;

1 Sep 2010

Deterrence in the Twenty-first Century: Proceedings

Sponsored by the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) and the Royal United Services Institute, the conference was held in London on 18–19 May 2009 and focused on deterrence “to help understand and begin to develop policy frameworks that fit the current and emerging security context.” Assembling some of the best minds on deterrence, the conference afforded speakers an opportunity to “invigorate this essential tool for today’s policy community.” In addition, the conference included two preconference “thought pieces” and two “quick looks” by AFRI personnel. [2010 / 329 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-202-9 / AU Press Code: B-118] Read This Book Now

1 May 2010

A Companion for Aspirant Air Warriors

A Companion for Aspirant Air Warriors: A Handbook for Personal Professional Study traces the evolution of military airpower from its infancy through Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Designed to introduce company-grade Airmen to the ideas, people, and materiel associated with military airpower, this volume and its suggestions for further reading can aid a lifetime study of the knowledge and expertise that define the profession of an Airman. The Companion for Aspirant Air Warriors discusses the role of airpower in each major conflict of the twentieth century, including the Cold War, and twenty-first-century operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also examines topics such as diversity in American airpower, remotely piloted vehicles, and expeditionary airpower. A foldout timeline provides a helpful chronological overview of important airpower concepts, events, and texts. [David

1 Mar 2010

Following the Flag

General Leavitt’s career coincided exactly with much of the period comprising the Cold War era. The path he took through the military provides a rare behind-the-scenes view of events that are in turn startling, unpredictable, sobering, and entertaining. These accounts weave together a most unique chronicle of the decades from the mid-1940s until the early 1980s. He had a front seat not only to the people and incidents that made headlines but also to conversations and episodes to which only a few were privy. His accounts will enlarge the perception of this distinctive time span in our military-political history. General Leavitt’s flying assignments included fighters, bombers, and the U-2. His final assignment was Vice Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Air Command. [Lt Gen Lloyd R. “Dick” Leavitt, USAF, Retired / 2010 / 659 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-205-0 / AU Press Code: B-114]

1 Feb 2010

Attitudes Aren’t Free

This collection of essays—most written for this volume—and speeches are on the themes of religious expression, homosexuality, gender, race, and ethics in the military. The contributors include activists, military members, academics, and other experts. Attitudes Aren’t Free does not promote one view on these contentious issues but allows the writers to advocate for their diverse positions with thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments. This volume offers a framework for critical thought and candid discussions about important social policy issues in the military. [Parco, James E., and David A. Levy / 2010 / 560 pages ISBN: 978-1-58566-204-3 / AU Press Code: B-120] Read This Book Now

1 Sep 2009

Space Primer

Space Primer Air Command and Staff College   The US National Space Policy released by the president in 2006 states that the US government should “develop space professionals.” As an integral part of that endeavor, AU-18, Space Primer, provides to the joint war fighter an unclassified resource for understanding the capabilities, organizations, and operations of space forces. [Air Command and Staff College / 2009 / 356 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-194-7 / AU Press Code: AU-18]

1 Aug 2009

The Air University Pantheon of Air, Space, and Cyberspace Power Thinkers

The Air University Pantheon of Air, Space, and Cyberspace Power Thinkers Lt Col Vicki J. Rast, USAF, Ret. An initiative of Gen Steven R. Lorenz, former Air University commander, the Air University Pantheon of Air, Space, and Cyberspace Power Thinkers is an effort to identify the intellectual roots of Air University. Together, these biographies provide a framework for understanding the evolution of Air University and its powerful legacy in providing a forum for academic discourse, contributing to dramatic changes in the employment of airpower. Air University has been graced with individuals possessing imagination and keen intellect and the fortitude to bring their vision to reality. May their examples inspire a future generation to add its fresh ideas and unconventional viewpoints so that the Air Force can continue to preserve America’s peace and

1 Feb 2009

Lights, Camera, Action: Getting Back to the Basics

SMSgt Leslie Bramlett offers a call to the USAF enlisted corps to return to the basics of leadership, traditions, and discipline that are taught in basic military training (BMT). He delineates how the Air Force’s senior corps of noncommissioned officers recognizes discipline problems among the enlisted Airmen which have caused degradation in mission support and adherence to standards. SMSgt Bramlett identifies how failure to maintain the attitudes and behaviors learned in BMT have contributed to these problems. He argues that Airmen leave basic training and then enter the “real” Air Force and find a culture which does not reinforce the lessons taught in BMT. In this exposition, the author constructs a case for reinvigorating these lessons to help remedy this situation. [SMSgt Leslie Bramlett, USAF / 2009 / 60 pages/ ISBN 978-1-58566-191-6 / B-116] Read This Book

2 Jan 2009

In Service to the Nation

In this study, the Air Force Research Institute provides its perspective on what the United States Air Force should look like in 2018–2023. This study offers a detailed discussion of the attributes of the Air Force today in order to develop a framework for understanding how the USAF will serve the nation in the future. The USAF will remain the world’s preeminent air force, prepared to fly, fight, and win in service to the nation. [Gen John A. Shaud / 2009 / 118 pages / ISBN: 978-1-58566-189-3 / AU Press Code: B-115] Read This Book Now