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Published: 1 December 2009
Air & Space Power Journal - Winter 2009
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From the Editor |
Maj D.K. Stanford USAF, Chief, Professional Journals
As a member of the editorial team at Air and Space Power Journal (ASPJ), I have had the privilege of reading countless submissions over the past year. Some of the articles come from general officers, others from company grade officers. We also receive a number of pieces from academicians, government officials, and members of industry. All of these authors desire to provide insight into their position and let it compete in the marketplace of ideas.
In an era in which mastery of PowerPoint seems the most important skill of a staff officer, you might ask yourself why you should take the time to hone your writing skills and publish scholarly articles. Writing about the education of officers in his article “Return of the Jedi” (Armed Forces Journal, October 2009), Maj Gen Robert H. Scales, USA, retired, opines that “proven strategic thinkers share a remarkably common provenance. Very early in their careers they learned to think critically and communicate strategically.”
The ability to conduct rigorous analysis and present a cogent, fact-based argument is prerequisite to positions of leadership and influence in the strategic arena. Writing for ASPJ will help you develop these skills. Thus, you benefit personally, and the Air Force acquires another articulate thinker to shape and lead our future force.
Publishing in a scholarly journal is no cakewalk. It requires a measure of organization, discipline, and effort. The editorial staff at ASPJ is here to assist; we are always looking for articles of interest to our broad audience of air, space, and cyber power professionals. For more information on how to submit your article, please review the “Mission Debrief” page elsewhere in this issue.
Mr. Steve Garst recently retired from his position as senior illustrator and art director for Air University (AU) Press. Mr. Garst has faithfully served the Air Force for over 28 years, seven of them as the sole illustrator for Air University Review (the precursor of ASPJ). His work with the Journal remained constant for nearly three decades, and we will sorely miss him. His artistic contributions to the US Air Force are far too numerous to list; needless to say, if you’ve seen an AU Press publication, Mr. Garst’s art probably either graces the cover or can be found within its pages. Steve has won numerous awards, and he’s had much success in the private sector as well. Notable commissions include the signature-page portrait for My American Journey—the biography of former secretary of state Colin Powell. The editorial staff of the English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic, and Chinese versions of ASPJ thank Steve for his years of dedicated service and wish him and his family the best in their next adventure.
Disclaimer
The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University
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