Tomorrow's Air Force: Tracing the Past, Shaping the Future
Author(s): Jeffrey J. Smith (Author)
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Publication Date: 1 Nov. 2013
Language: English
Print length: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 0253010780
ISBN-13: 9780253010780
Book Description
Looking ahead to future airpower requirements, this engaging and ground-breaking book on the history and future of American combat airpower argues that the USAF must adapt to the changes that confront it or risk decline into irrelevance. To provide decision makers with the necessary analytical tools, Jeffrey J. Smith uses organizational modeling to help explain historical change in the USAF and to anticipate change in the future. While the analysis and conclusions it offers may prove controversial, the book aims to help planners make better procurement decisions, institute appropriate long-term policy, and better organize, train, and equip the USAF for the future.
Editorial Reviews
Review
With the Air Force bracing itself for a future of tight budgets, rapid technological change, and strategic uncertainty, its leaders at all levels must begin to ask themselves and each other some tough questions about the direction in which their service is headed. Those airmen willing to actively engage such discussions would do well to turn to Smith’s book as the basic point of departure for debates concerning the intricate relationship between the Air Force’s past, present, and future.
― Strategic Studies Quarterly
Review
Organizational responsiveness to rapidly changing external threats will require an adaptive structure and leadership committed to synergistic employment of all US and coalition forces. This book is ‘out of the box’ thinking and is very timely given the recent and evolving Air Force roles and missions.
— Brigadier General Al Rachel, USAF (Ret.)
Book Description
Adapting American air power in the 21st century
About the Author
Colonel Jeffrey J. Smith, US Air Force, is the Commandant and Dean of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He is an Air Force pilot with over 2,300 flying hours and has served in numerous command and staff positions. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Washington State University.
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