Published Airpower Journal - Spring 1988
Blinders, Too, Are Made of Leather
The Airpower Journal has followed with interest and some concern the issue of leather flying jackets, career irritants, flyers' bonuses, and pilot retention. The depth and breadth of concern can be discerned in the numerous letters from the field published in periodicals and newspapers oriented toward the military services.
Much of what we hear and read tells us that additional duties, staff assignments, and educational requirements are driving our flyers out of the service. Many letter writers express the feeling that these "peripheral requirements" are counterproductive and that being the best possible aviator is what will win wars. Understandably, these officers want to remain at the "pointy end of the spear." However, it is time to consider how we make effective use of that spear and to understand that its use is dependent on more than how well we fly.
Operations may be at the heart of military success, but that is not the same thing as flying an aircraft or even leading a flight of them. Those who serve at the "pointy end" are unquestionably vital to military success, for what good is a blunt spear? But there is an equally vital requirement for those with the broader knowledge of where and when to point that spear and when to thrust and when to parry. Those who currently spend their time honing the edge of the blade must also realize that attainments far beyond this are required for comprehensive success in war and that superior technical skill is not the only qualification for high or even necessarily middle rank.
For those who ran see no validity for rated officers in these thoughts, we have arrived at the crux of the problem. At issue is whether one will remain an aviator-specialist or take on the broader responsibilities of the professional senior officer. The argument is with those who would remain in service if only they did not need to learn anything beyond flying (crewing) an aircraft, if they could just be spared the drudgery of staff assignments and the frustrations of educational endeavor, and yet still be assured of promotion to higher rank.
Herein lies a real threat to an effective military force. One's magnificently flown aircraft may win an engagement (perhaps more than one) yet be bested in the campaign; an aggressively led tactical unit may prevail in a battle but not necessarily win the war, An effective military force requires leaders possessing highly developed strategy and campaign-formulating talent. Where are these leaders to come from? From those whose long career experience has been that of a specialist in the cockpit and whose expertise is tactical at best?
Increased responsibility and higher military rank are secured by expanding beyond the narrow confines of a specialty to the broader requirements of a profession. Acceptance of broad responsibility, mental flexibility, and intellectual (as well as physical) preparation are the entry requirements to that realm-and all that just for a chance at achievement. Most will not make the successive cuts.
If you seek high rank and broad operational responsibility, you must commit yourself to additional duties, educational requirements, continuous study, and expansion beyond the cockpit; if you do not so aspire, "dual-tracking" is another discussion. The nation relies on its well-seasoned, broadly educated (not trained), and holistically oriented military leaders to win its wars by adeptly orchestrating the efforts of all the specialties and specialists. The decision about which road you take is yours. KWG
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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