First, I'm pleased to see that at least a couple Air Force Academy cadets/graduates have commented on Ricks' blog. That lets me know that Air Force officers are out there reading and listening and learning, even if the Air Force presence isn't always visible in strategic discussions.
Second, I graduated from USAFA a number of years ago, so it is possible my perspective is out of date. For that reason I'd like to cite in its entirety a comment on Ricks' blog by a current firstie (senior) at the Academy. He agrees with me on some things, but feels the Academy has made improvements in the way it teaches strategic studies. It's worth noting, though, that this cadet is actually majoring in Military Strategic Studies. He is getting a strategic education far above the baseline. My critique is primarily with the baseline education that every cadet/officer receives: the core strategic studies classes, the PME, the Squadron Officer School curriculum, and the informal but extremely important service culture that permeates day-to-day life in the Air Force. Anyway, on to the cadet:
There is now a lot more talk about winning wars at the Air Force Academy. In twenty days I will graduate with a degree in Military Strategic Studies. I have read Nagl. I have read Corum and Johnson's Airpower in Small Wars. I have read Barnett, Gray, and Rosen. Some of us are getting an education in contemporary theory. The Department of Military Strategic Studies now has two courses in the core curriculum, with talk of expanding that. Gone are the days of the MAS degree (Military Arts and Science, or "Movies And Stories"). John Boyd was considered as an option for the class of 2012's exemplar, a deceased officer to serve as a role model for the class as it proceeds.
But I must admit that Captain Reach's assessment of the Air Force culture and the disappointment at having to go to the other services for innovative thought still echoes my own experience. Boyd was discouraged as an exemplar by the permanent party, perhaps because of his maverick persona.
And to Mr. (Captain?) Boyea: the mission of the Air Force as a whole is to "fly, fight and win...". Perhaps USAFA's mission could use an update, but educating, training, and inspiring seems more in line with its actual goals than winning wars directly.
Again, as with my previous comments, this is only meant to add another perspective. My friends and fellow MSS majors have filled four walls of whiteboard with our ideas on how the Academy could be more effective. I cannot agree more with Captain Reach on the point that reform of some sort is needed. I hope to come back as an instructor as soon as I can get a postgrad and help continue the process.
1 comments:
Sir;
Thank you for understanding the spirit in which my comment was made. You're absolutely right, my major's strategic education is above the baseline. The department is working on expanding it to more cadets, and the core MSS classes sound like they do a better job than they did when you were here (but of course I'm a bit biased).
Good luck in Jordan, sir, and thank you for taking the time to discuss this issue. You've got a new subscriber, and I look forward to meeting you some time in the future. Your respectful push for innovation is exactly the kind of thing I want to emulate in my own career.
Post a Comment