IBP7*717771Ttitl Secretary of the Air Force Edward C
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^ y.i / m ] -1 /AJ f A f J IBP7*717771TTiTl Secretary of the Air Force Edward C. Aldridge, Jr. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Larry D. Welch Commander, Air University Lt Gen Truman Spangrud Commander, Center for Aerospace Doctrine, Research, and Education Col Sidney J. Wise Professional Staff Editor Col Keith W. Geiger Associate Editor Maj Michael A. Kirtland Contributing Personnel Hugh Richardson, Associate Editor John A. Westcott, Art Director and Production Manager The Airpower Journal, published quarterly, is the professional journal of the United States Air Force. It is designed to serve as an open forum for presenting and stimulating innovative thinking on m ilitary doctrine, strategy, tactics, force struc- ture, readiness, and other national defense mat- ters. The views and opinions expressed or implied in the Journal are those of the authors and should not be construed as carrying the official sanction of the Department of Defense, the Air Force, Air University, or other agencies or departments of the US government. Articles in this edition may be reproduced in whole or in part without permis- sion. If reproduced, the Airpower Journal re- quests a courtesy line. Editorial— Blinders, Too, Are Made of Leather 2 The Essence of Leadership: Views of a Form er C om m ander Lt Gen Evan W. Rosencrans, USAF, Retired 6 Soviet “Tactical” Aviation in the Postwar Period: Technological Change, Organizational Innovation, and Doctrinal Continuity Dr Jacob W. Kipp 8 Soviet Maskirovka Charles L. Smith 28 Doctrinal Deficiencies in Prisoner of War Command Col John R. Brancato, USAF 40 Superm aneuverability: Fighter Technology of the Future Col William D. Siuru, Jr., USAF, Retired 50 The Human Element and Air Combat: Some Napoleonic Comparisons Maj Mark K. Wells, USAF 62 Ricochets 4 Letters Net Assessment Reviews of Current Literature 76 Notams Notices of Interest 94 Contributors 9 5 rated officers in these thoughts, we have ar EDITORIAL___________ rived at the crux of the problem. At issue is whether one will remain an aviator-special- ist or take on the broader responsibilities of Blinders, Too, Are Made of the professional senior officer. The argu- ment is with those who would remain in Leather service if only they did not need to learn anything beyond flying (crewing) an air- craft, if they could just be spared the drudg- HE Airpower Journal has followed with ery of staff assignments and the frustrations Tinterest and some concern the issue of of educational endeavor, and yet still be as- leather flying jackets, career irritants, flyers’ sured of promotion to higher rank. bonuses, and pilot retention. The depth and Herein lies a real threat to an effective breadth of concern can be discerned in the military force. One’s magnificently flown numerous letters from the field published in aircraft may win an engagement (perhaps periodicals and newspapers oriented to- more than one) yet be bested in the cam- ward the military services. paign; an aggressively led tactical unit may Much of what we hear and read tells us prevail in a battle but not necessarily win that additional duties, staff assignments, the war. An effective military force requires and educational requirements are driving leaders possessing highly developed strat- our flyers out of the service. Many letter egy and campaign-formulating talent. writers express the feeling that these “pe- Where are these leaders to come from? From ripheral requirements” are counterproduc- those whose long career experience has tive and that being the best possible aviator been that of a specialist in the cockpit and is what will win wars. Understandably, whose expertise is tactical at best? these officers want to remain at the “pointy Increased responsibility and higher mili- end of the spear." However, it is time to con- tary rank are secured by expanding beyond sider how we make effective use of that the narrow confines of a specialty to the spear and to understand that its use is de- broader requirements of a profession. Ac- pendent on more than how well we fly. ceptance of broad responsibility, mental Operations may be at the heart of military flexibility, and intellectual (as well as phys- success, but that is not the same thing as ical) preparation are the entry requirements flying an aircraft or even leading a flight of to that realm—and all that just for a chance them. Those who serve at the "pointy end” at achievement. Most will not make the suc- are unquestionably vital to military success, cessive cuts. for what good is a blunt spear? But there is If you seek high rank and broad opera- an equally vital requirement for those with tional responsibility, you must commit the broader knowledge of where and when yourself to additional duties, educational to point that spear and when to thrust and requirements, continuous study, and ex- when to parry. Those who currently spend pansion beyond the cockpit; if you do not so their time honing the edge of the blade must aspire, “dual-tracking” is another discus- also realize that attainments far beyond this sion. The nation relies on its well-seasoned, are required for comprehensive success in broadly educated (not trained), and holisti- war and that superior technical skill is not cally oriented military leaders to win its the only qualification for high or even nec- wars by adeptly orchestrating the efforts of essarily middle rank. all the specialties and specialists. The For those who can see no validity for decision about which road you take is yours. KWG CANT WAIT TO ORDER THE AIRPOWER JOURNAL??? Now You Can Phone Your Order In and Charge It!!! By calling (202) 783-3238, you can order a subscription to the Airpower Journal, ISSN: 0897-0823, stock number 708-007-00000-5, and charge your subscription to your Mastercard, Visa, or Choice card. Subscriptions are $9.50 annually ($11.90 for international mail). If you prefer, you can mail your order to the Superintendent of Docu- ments, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Payment by check, money order, or credit card is acceptable. If you pay by credit card, be sure to include your card number and type (Mastercard, Visa, or Choice), expiration date, and your signature for authorization. ricochets WRITE ON, COLONEL HALL ficer, I am keenly aware of many of the problems he cited. While I’m fortunate enough to work for After reading your Fall 1987 journal, I was de- a senior officer who has “taken me under his lighted to see that someone else is concerned wing," I’ve had the opportunity to look back over about military customs, courtesies, and profes- the three years since my commissioning and ana- sional relations ("Shortchanging Our Young Of- lyze some of my training deficiencies. ficers: Military Traditions Denied,” by Lt Col To put it simply, it appears that the 12 weeks I Stephen C. Hall). spent in Officer Training School were devoted As a recruiter with the ANG, I also have an ad- mostly to the mechanics of management. And ditional duty as an NCO Preparatory Course in- having just completed Squadron Officer School structor. I too have noticed that our young by correspondence, I was amazed that the block airmen want more military in their lives and feel devoted to officership was one of the smaller that m ilitary traditions have lost some sections. importance. I must, however, confess a bit of confusion. In past classes, students seemed to take partic- What, exactly, is the difference between “officer- ular enjoyment in “USAF Customs and Courte- ship” and "leadership”? It’s not clear that they sies" and an incredible amount of interest in are separate subjects, yet we continually treat "The NCO Professional Relationships." Our them so. I once listed the traits that would be young airmen want to use terms of address and to necessary to be a good officer and the traits that be professional when dealing with superior en- would be necessary to be a good leader. The col- listed and officers. umns were identical. And looking at the enlisted “Shortchanging Our Young Officers” brought leaders I have known and followed (I’m prior en- to light the fact that officers don’t always know listed), I found that the traits I admired in them the correct response in professional military en- were listed in the “leadership” column. vironments. Our young enlisted are in the same Thus, I submit we are confusing the issue if we situation and feel that traditions should be continue to speak of “officership” and “leader- stressed more. ship” as two separate areas as if the traits of each I agree with Colonel Hall when he states that were separate and uniquely identifiable. In the fi- military members are bound by shared customs, nal analysis, people follow an individual, a hu- courtesies, traditions, and military discipline. I man being, not a rank. I realize this sounds a bit also feel that these areas should be expanded in like heresy. Please understand. I do not argue PME courses. against rank structures: they are obviously nec- More exposure to junior officers and airmen essary. I do. however, argue that attempting to about proper conduct, discipline, and profes- lead from rank alone is the most ineffective, and sional relatiops will add to and improve the the least desirable, situation. History is replete professional arena that we all work in. with examples of people attempting to lead by If personal development is as important as I the sole virtue of rank and failing miserably. have read, then I feel we owe young officers a bet- Rank does not automatically confer upon me the ter professional upbringing.