10 Propositions Regarding Air Power PDF Download

Though we are still within the first century of powered flight, air power has already become the dominant form of military power projection in the modern world. The doctrinal underpinnings of air power thought are traditionally ascribed to the three great theorists of air power application: Douhet, Trenchard, and Mitchell. Since WWII, the air power community has not often explored the doctrinal implications of air power development. Lord Tedder's lectures at Cambridge, and the writings of Air Vice Marshal R.A. Mason, and Colonel John A. Warden III constitute notable exceptions. Now comes Colonel Phillip Meilinger, who has posited a group of provocative propositions that will instill an appreciation for air power for those who seek to understand it and challenge the assumptions of those who do not yet appreciate what it offers. This book has been deliberately designed in a small format so that it can be readily carried in the pocket of a flight suit or a BDU. Readers are encouraged to discuss these propositions and, if so moved, to communicate directly with Colonel Meilinger via the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. The 10 propositions are as follows: (1) Whoever controls the air generally controls the surface; (2) Air Power is an inherently strategic force; (3) Air Power is primarily an offensive weapon; (4) In essence, Air Power is targeting, targeting is intelligence, and intelligence is analyzing the effects of air operations; (5) Air Power produces physical and psychological shock by dominating the fourth dimension -- time; (6) Air Power can conduct parallel operations at all levels of war, simultaneously; (7) Precision air weapons have redefined the meaning of mass; (8) Air Power's unique characteristics necessitate that it be centrally controlled by airmen; (9) Technology and air power are integrally and synergistically related; and (10) Air Power includes not only military assets, but an aerospace industry and commercial aviation.