Archive for June, 2009

With regard to “New principles for new wars,” by Phillip S. Meilinger [January], I’m not convinced that Mr. Meilinger made his case, particularly when he implies that our failures of late are …

In this month’s AFJ, we examine the potential of the unmanned era. Air Force Institute research professor Adam Lowther’s cover article asks whether it’s time to pursue a long-range, unmanned and nuclear …

A year ago, Defense Secretary Robert Gates addressed a Heritage Foundation audience on the future requirements of the U.S. military. “Despite my job description,” Gates confessed, “I may not actually be the …

A commander’s guide to managing contracts

During a yearlong tour in Kuwait, where I came into regular contact with a wide variety of units at various stages of managing their contracts, I …

To Gen. Norton Schwartz. By responding to Paul Kane’s New York Times op-ed that called for the disbanding of the Air Force, the chief of staff added credibility to Kane’s unscrupulous rant. …

Leeroy Jenkins and the American way of advising

The American military has become relatively self-congratulatory of late about our newfound aptitude for counterinsurgency. As the violence in Iraq remains low relative to …

Piracy is an act of terrorism and the U.S. should act multinationally, internationally or unilaterally to eliminate this exploitation in order to promote free and effective democracies, extend prosperity and sustain responsible …

Is America ready for a UAV bomber?

In the wake of the August 2007 incident in which six air-launched cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads were mistakenly flown from Minot Air Force …

Beware the temptation to micromanage through unmanned systems

An amazing revolution is taking place in the history of war, and even perhaps of humanity. The U.S. military went into Iraq with zero …

Opposition to budget changes is about jobs, not national security

People and companies don’t like change. Change means uncertainty, and uncertainty disturbs complacency and equilibrium.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in advancing his …