Document created: 4 September 03
Air & Space Power Journal - Fall 2003

Airwar: Essays on Its Theory and Practice by Phillip S. Meilinger. Frank Cass Publishers (http://www.frankcass.com), 5824 NE Hassalo Street, Portland, Oregon 97213-3644, 2003, 288 pages, $67.50 (hardcover), $26.00 (softcover).

Phillip Meilinger, a prolific and well-respected historian of military aviation, has published a collection of 14 essays taken from his master’s thesis, articles, papers, and lectures. Varying in length from three to 29 pages, they were either published or presented between 1991 and 2001. Meilinger’s wide breadth of coverage, in terms of both chronology and subject, gives readers a sweeping survey of aviation history. From the outset, he emphasizes that his book is not history of airpower (the title is somewhat misleading) but “a collection of my thoughts on various important aspects of air power history and theory, strategy and tactics, and operations and organization, from both an American and an international perspective” (p. 3). Three chapters on Giulio Douhet, Hugh Trenchard, and John Slessor cover the theory of military aviation. He also includes pieces on joint operations in World War II, the B-29 campaign against Japan, the first Gulf War, and Kosovo. A pair of essays deals with aviation technology (the development of US fighter aircraft between the world wars and of precision-guided munitions). Other chapters deal with seldom- discussed topics, such as the British navy’s fleet air arm and the issue of interservice rivalry, and the futile international attempt in the early 1930s to disarm the world’s militaries.

Meilinger reveals his enthusiasm for and advocacy of airpower early on (literally on page one): “I believe that air power has brought about a revolution in war, because it has altered virtually all aspects of how it is fought, by whom, against whom, and with what weapons. . . . War has been fundamentally transformed by the advent of the airplane.” He acknowledges airpower’s technological limits but envisions an improvement in its capabilities over time, further noting that concerns about “casualty aversion” have made airpower America’s weapon of choice. In a number of the essays, Meilinger addresses targeting- especially the issue of bombing cities and civilians. Readers will find some of the author’s observations easy to accept (e.g., the importance of intelligence in the application of airpower) but will need more persuading for others (e.g., the idea that, in this era of terrorism, Clausewitz needs revising).

Meilinger deserves high praise, both for his boldness in tackling these critical subjects and for his considerable skill in dealing with them. He writes clearly, cuts to the essence, and makes good sense. In addition, he provides notes and especially valuable bibliographic commentary. In short, the book stands as a substantial addition to the literature on airpower, both for its historical coverage and its assessment of airpower’s current status. One hopes that the author one day will deal with other aspects of airpower not covered here, such as naval aviation, individuals and organizations (e.g., Billy Mitchell and the Air Corps Tactical School), airlift, and pilotless aircraft. In the meantime, this important collection certainly deserves more than a glance by readers interested in the history and the practice of airpower. Even if they read but a few of Airwar’s essays, they will be amply rewarded.

Kenneth P. Werrell
Christiansburg, Virginia

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.