Published: 1 March 2009
Air & Space Power Journal - Spring 2009

Aerospace Power in the Twenty-first Century: A Basic Primer by Clayton K. S. Chun. Air University Press (http://aupress.maxwell.af.mil), 131 West Shumacher Avenue, Maxwell AFB, Alabama 36112-5962, 2001, 356 pages, $29.00 (softcover). Available free from http://aupress.maxwell.af.mil/Books/Chun/Chun.pdf.

This well-written and very informative book is a good introduction to air and space power for those not familiar with its genesis, evolution, or functions and capabilities. The author, Dr. Clayton K. S. Chun, currently works at the US Army War College where he serves as chair of the Department of Distance Education. Dr. Chun retired as a colonel from the US Air Force after a military career that culminated with his serving as commander of the 34th Education Squadron at the US Air Force Academy.

The author begins the book with basic definitions and concepts of air and space power. This ­vital background provides a necessary foundation for the rest of the book. He then launches into the theory of air and space power so the reader can understand its beginnings and ever-changing nature. Chun begins with theories by Italian army general Giulio Douhet and continues with various concepts from different countrymen and services, an approach that provides a very good background on how the use of air and space power came to be and how it is understood today.

Over the next several chapters, Dr. Chun covers different functions and capabilities, including close air support, strategic attack, interdiction, air and space superiority, rapid mobility, and space and information. He does a good job of explaining the functions of each mission while providing historical examples from different military operations, such as those that occurred in Britain during World War II, Israel in the 1960s and 1970s, and the United States in Kosovo. These succinct, well-shaped examples illustrate the importance of air and space power and its capabilities.

The last two chapters predict the future of air and space power and the ways that military commanders may use this asset. The author covers topics from the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to the future of space operations, discussing whether it needs to be an altogether separate branch of the military. This information allows the layman to understand the importance of using air and space power correctly and appropriately in the future.

The book’s only blemish is the fact that a few map legends are difficult to read, which makes it hard to follow some of the author’s examples (unless the reader is familiar with the subject matter). An increase in font size would solve this problem and ease the strain on the reader’s eyes.

The title and subtitle of Dr. Chun’s book are quite apropos for the material he presents and the method of presentation. Aerospace Power in the Twenty-first Century: A Basic Primer provides a solid introduction to this topic for readers unfamiliar with its capabilities, limitations, and evolution.

Maj Cary N. Culbertson, USAF
Nellis AFB, Nevada

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.