Published Airpower Journal - Fall 1991
SNORKELERS familiar with Hanauma Bay on Oahu will remember three parallel reefs that guard it from the open ocean. In the reef closest to the beach is a narrow break perhaps six feet wide and 35 feet long. As waves roll in, they push water over the reef, which acts as a reservoir and retards the water's return to the open sea. However, the backwash rushes through the break in the reef as through the spout of a funnel.
It is quite easy to go with the flow when snorkeling out through the break, but coming in the other direction can teach one a lesson in patience and endurance. Swimming against the current, the snorkeler finds that progress is made in surges. While the backwash is rushing through the break, the snorkeler must exert significant effort just to maintain position. Then, when the backwash stops, the snorkeler surges forward. Normally it takes several cycles of maintaining position and moving forward to reach the end of the break and enter the calm waters inside the reef. Those new to this phenomenon can become concerned when they are swimming with all their strength and not making any forward progress. However, if they are patient and continue swimming, conditions will change. It is, of course, very important to take full advantage of the intermittent opportunities to move forward.
While each day is unique and has its own value, historical events also seem to come in surges. Perhaps this is one of those times in history when all the conditions are right for rapid progress. Having maintained relatively the same position for over four and a half decades in our containment policy toward the Communist bloc, we now see a strong tide of political change. Rapid changes in Eastern Europe and the reduction in Soviet strength have led to significant changes in the way we view the world. That world view has led to hopes for reduced military force structures and an attendant peace dividend.
Along with the defense budget, the number of people serving in the US armed services is being significantly reduced. Rather than hollow out the old force structure as was done in the past during loan times, our leaders are searching for ways to restructure the Air Force so it will be as efficient and effective as possible--despite its reduced size. Proposed changes to the unified command structure, new major command structures, and ideas like the composite wing are moves in that direction.
As demonstrated in Desert Storm, technological advancements in areas like ordnance precision and lethality; stealth characteristics intelligence gathering; command, control, and communications; and navigation are pushing aerospace power forward in this historical surge.
Along with restructuring and technological advancements there is also a need for new ways of thinking to take full advantage of the current surge in historical events. A new basic doctrine manual designed to capture our current thinking on the best way to employ aerospace power should soon be published. New concepts to involve airmen in a career-long study of the profession of arms are being considered as well.
Historical surges amplify the value of ideas. They offer opportunities to consolidate gains, to forge ahead, and to venture into uncharted regions. Such times magnify the effect of both the best and worst ideas, thereby placing a premium on reason while appeals to authority and precedent are of reduced value. This is one of those rare times when a key catalytic idea could galvanize the institution we serve so it better serve our nation and its people. The pages of this journal are dedicated to promoting that kind of thought and providing a place for the free exchange of those idea.
Our Air Force is on the leading edge of this historical surge. Wisdom would suggest we take full advantage of the opportunity to go forward while conditions permit. We will probably have to remain in whatever place we attain for a good long time-working hard to just stay in place and awaiting the next historical surge. RBC
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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