What Is and Where Is the United States Air Force Leadership Doctrine?

The international, national and U.S. Armed Forces interoperational contexts have evolved dramatically since World War II, with the end of the Cold War bringing previously unimaginable change. Within this new environment, a well-led military force continues to be a mainstay for supporting national security strategy. The U.S. Air Force has publically embraced and advertised Quality Air Force as its leadership philosophy to achieve mission accomplishment in the challenging circumstances today and for the foreseeable future. Despite the recognized importance of leadership to successful Air Force operations, as frequently stated and documented, the Air Force falls well short of producing and providing effective leadership doctrine. The leadership discussion in our keystone operational doctrine is limited and confusing in relationship to management. And although there is a wealth of leadership information produced by various Air Force agencies, there is no consolidated, comprehensive, contemporary guidance prescribed as Air Force leadership doctrine. The Air Force must correct this shortcoming.