Air Commanders - by John Andreas Olsen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Air Commanders combines short military biographies and operational analyses to reveal how the personalities, attitudes, and life experiences of twelve outstanding U.S. airmen shaped the central air campaigns in American history. From Gen. Carl "Tooey" Spaatz, who began his career in World War I, to the recently retired Gen. T. Michael "Buzz" Moseley, the case studies illuminate the character of these airmen, the challenges they confronted in widely disparate armed conflicts, and the solutions that they crafted and implemented. Their achievements proved decisive not only in the campaigns they led, but also in shaping the U.S. Air Force and the dominant role of airpower in modern warfare. Air Commanders will be of interest to both general readers and students of military history--particularly those who wish to explore the use and development of airpower as a national instrument of force. With contributions from leading military experts and historians, this book demonstrates how personal qualities and leadership styles translate into battlespace outcomes.

Review Quotes

"Air power came of age during World War II . . . and changed the nature of warfare forever. While widely recognized by many, not all senior military commanders have embraced the idea. This has presented a challenge to senior airman in joint and combined operations. In this book, Col. John Andreas Olsen and his team of scholars look at twelve case studies of senior USAF airmen who commanded air forces in combat, and offer possible lessons for future air leaders or anyone interested in command, leadership, and history of air warfare. Highly recommended!"--Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF, Chief of Staff, October 1994-August 1997

"Col John Olsen is one of the dominant voices in airpower history and operations in the world today. His books should be required reading for everyone in uniform."--Phillip S. Meilinger, PhD, Colonel, USAF, Retired, Strategic Studies Quarterly

"In organizing this book, John Olsen has brought together some of the most prominent experts on air power to achieve an unprecedented task: to examine the role of twelve US air commanders in air campaigns from WWII to the present. Each of these twelve commanders had a profound impact, not only on air warfare, but also on war in general: never again can a land or naval force achieve its objectives without control of the air. And, as each author makes clear, commanding airpower is fundamentally different than commanding in other mediums. This book will most certainly be used in every war college in the United States . . . and in many abroad. It is destined to become a classic to which historians in the future will refer."--Lt. Gen. Michael M. Dunn, USAF, president and CEO, Air Force Association

"John Olsen is steadily emerging as the globally preeminent historian of airpower. This time he offers a leadership perspective, and since airpower is dominated by innovation, the book's focus on command of the air is highly effective and illuminating."--Edward N. Luttwak, Center for Strategic and International Studies

"John Olsen's treatment of a selection of airpower leaders provides rich insight into the integration of technology, concepts, and leadership. The selection includes key contributors to the ever accelerating increase in today's capabilities. It also includes strategic thinkers who provided the basis for the most effective application of these capabilities. This book should be a must read for the next generation of aspiring airpower leaders."--Gen. Larry D. Welch, USAF, Chief of Staff, July 1986-July 1990

"While the quality of ideas and machines does contribute to the success or failure of air operations, it is the strategic vision and critical thinking of the air commander that factors most greatly into determining the final outcome. This entertaining and informative collection of case studies on twelve American airmen who advanced our proud heritage, tradition of honor, and legacy of valor through their exceptional leadership adds tremendous richness to the airpower story. My advice to those who aspire to become our future air leaders: read this book."--Lt. Gen. Davis S. Fadok, USAF, commander and president, Air University