Air University Press

Maxwell Papers

The Maxwell Papers are the Air War College’s (AWC) selection of the best professional studies papers from its graduates. These works, meant to highlight topics of importance to senior leaders and support discussion and further investigation, demonstrate the excellent research and analytical capabilities of AWC students. The Maxwell Papers are an outstanding example of the research work done at AWC as students hone their critical thinking skills while tackling real-world problems facing the Air Force in the twenty-first century. 

  •  AFD-171204-674-038.PDF

    Security and Peace in the Middle East

    David G. Curdy
    In this excellent essay Lt Col David G. Curdy examines the prospects for democratic transitions in the Middle East. He notes that with the conclusion of the cold war, the basis for US Middle East policy, which had centered around oil, Israel, and the Soviet Union, should be reexamined and, perhaps, redesigned. Moreover, major political events stemming from the 1990--91 Gulf War have reenergized efforts to implement democratic processes within the region. Colonel Curdy argues that the West has generally held the view that democracy and Islam are mutually exclusive and incompatible. However, he notes that the Islam-based tradi - tions of consultation, consensus, and independent judgment are being used today to legitimize the rise of democracy in a number of Arab states. In opposition to this democratizing trend is the rise of Islamic radicalism which rejects evolution - ary political change and liberal political formulas. The clash of these two approaches will severely test US policy in the Middle East. Contemporaneous with these political currents is a new phase in resolving the decades-old Palestinian- Israeli conflict. The Palestinians’ struggle to create a demo - cratic identity will be key in establishing their economic vital-ity and in reassuring Israelis that a Palestinian state will not be a security threat. [David G. Curdy / 1996 / 27 pages ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-4]
  •  AFD-171204-869-054.PDF

    Seller Beware

    Lieutenant Colonel Wayne M. Johnson, USAF
    As was the case during the cold war, the national military strategy of the United States relies on technologically superior forces to achieve our objectives when the armed forces are called on to protect the United States and its interests. However, as the military downsizes, preserving a technologically superior force while also maintaining a robust defense industrial base becomes more difficult. One means the United States uses to preserve the industrial base is to maintain demand by selling our military goods to other countries. While foreign military sales (FMS) alone will not keep the US industrial base viable, they have become more significant than in the days of larger US defense procurements. In 1996, for example, FMS exceeded $10 billion. Indeed, FMS can spell the difference between continued existence and bankruptcy for some of our defense contractors. The perceived need to sell overseas while safeguarding US advanced technologies appears to be a conflicting goal because of the technology transfer involved. In this important study, Lt Col Wayne Johnson, USAF, argues that systematic tightening of interagency cooperation and better work on defining sensitive technology prohibitions are needed to maintain the US technological edge. He also maintains that the US government requires a new and disciplined export control process—not the cur -rent mosaic of rules, regulations, and perspectives that came out of the cold war, but a process that provides a revamped, systemic approach with consistent implementation. Colonel Johnson explores the problem of defining which technologies the United States is willing to transfer (military or dual-use) and the need to ensure that national security objectives do not take a backseat to economic expediency. [Lieutenant Colonel Wayne M. Johnson, USAF / 1998 / 34 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-16]
  •  AFD-171204-348-097.PDF

    Spectrum Management

    Lt Col Mary E. Griswold, USAF
    Can the future of highly technical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) depend on something as minor as frequencies? The answer is an overwhelming yes, and, by the way, frequencies and spectrum management are not minor players in today’s global operations. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap, 2005–2030 (Washington, DC: Office of the Secretary of Defense, 4 August 2005) reported an increased demand from combatant commanders for UAS support, stating that the DOD’s challenge is “the rapid and coordinated integration of this technology to support the joint fight” (1). This increased demand could be the logical effect of a February 2004 report by the Defense Science Board recommending that the acquisition and operational fielding of unmanned aerial vehicles be accelerated. Despite promoting their increased fielding and use, both documents are open about deficiencies and challenges. [t Col Mary E. Griswold, USAF / 2008, 19 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-44]
  •  AFD-171204-163-060.PDF

    Star and Crescent

    Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Codispoti, USAF
    In this study Lt Col Joseph M. Codispoti, USAF, de-scribes an emerging partnership between two long-time al-lies of the United States—Turkey and Israel. On the surface this Muslim-Jewish partnership seems unlikely, particularly on the fringes of the Arab world. A closer examination, however, reveals a number of mutual security interests and a shared sense of isolation at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Colonel Codispoti begins his study by examining relations between Turkey and Israel from the founding of Israel in 1948 through the 1980s. While relations vacillated during these early years, the foundation was built for deeper and more significant ties. The advent of post-Cold War instability in the arc of crisis served as the catalyst for growing and extensive political, military, and economic links between the unlikely partners. This study concludes by addressing future possibilities for and barriers to the emerging Turco-Israeli partnership, as well as its far-reaching potential to bring stability or conflict to the region. [Lieutenant Colonel Joseph M. Codispoti, USAF/ 2000 / 30 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-22]
  •  AFD-171204-380-072.PDF

    Tanker-Force Structure

    Juan C. Narvid
    In Tanker-Force Structure: Recapitalization of the KC-135, Col Narvid challenges air mobility warriors to develop a tanker-force structure that overcomes the thinking of old to launch new concepts and capabilities for the future tanker. He argues that the future of warfare will require a tanker that is able to operate as a force enabler across the full spectrum of operations. This research is very timely with the Boeing 767 being looked at as a replacement for some of the older KC-135s. In contrast to some of the 767’s capabilities, he outlines a conceptual tanker that combines airlift and aerial-refueling capabilities and is able to survive in a combat environment, and he leverages its ability to act as a platform to enhance network-centric warfare. He points out that while the “Cadillac” of all tankers may only be conceived in the minds of Airmen, the tanker of the future cannot resemble the single-role tanker of the past. [Juan C. Narvid / 2004 / 37 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-32]
  •  AFD-171204-508-057.PDF

    The Air Expeditionary Force

    Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Nowak, USAF
    Contrary to initial expectations, the end of the cold war has not resulted in a spontaneous outbreak of interna -tional peace and stability. While the nuclear threat has diminished, previously suppressed ethnic and nationalistic rivalries have boiled over and become additive to existing trouble spots in Korea and Southwest Asia. In spite of these challenges, defense spending and military forward presence have declined as the lack of a peer competitor has deprived our national security strategy of a definable threat. The Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) attempts to deal with the uncertainty of the current volatile world by providing regional commanders in chief with effects-based packages of airpower that can quickly respond to US national secu -rity requirements. This employment strategy attempts to balance international uncertainty with a decreased forward presence and reduced force structure. Recently the Air Force has also touted the AEF as a tool to manage an operational tempo and deployment rate problem that is causing retention difficulties. In his paper Colonel Nowak, USAF, argues that while the AEF is a step in the right direction, the focus appears to be too narrow. Current Air Force AEF planning is oriented toward a conventional force-on-force-style aggression like those aggressions we have seen in Iraq and the former republics of Yugoslavia. However, the most probable use of an AEF will be in a noncombat role, supporting humanitarian or peacekeeping operations. In these "nontradi-tional" types of AEFs, personnel and leadership skills, as well as the force composition, will be markedly different from a combat-style AEF. [Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Nowak, USAF / 1999 / 25 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-19]
  •  AFD-171204-943-053.PDF

    The Air Superiority Fighter and Defense Transformation

    Lt Col Devin Cate, USAF
    Col Cate tackles the question of whether an air superiority fighter is relevant to warfare in the twenty-first century. Critics of the F/A-22, the US Air Force’s next generation air superiority fighter, have identified it as a cold war relic—unjustifiably expensive and out of step with the Department of Defense (DOD) transformation. Colonel Cate argues that the six operational goals of the DOD transformation, as defined in the Quadrennial Defense Review Report (QDR) of 2001, actually demand a highly capable air superiority fighter. He shows how achieving these transformational operational goals requires performance of the four offensive counterair functions of surface attack, fighter sweep, escort, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), as well as defensive counterair. He demonstrates that only an air superiority fighter can efficiently and effectively atisfy all these functions. [Lt Col Devin Cate, USAF / 2003 / 34 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-30]
  •  AFD-171204-854-031.PDF

    The Command or Control Dilemma

    Gregory A. Roman, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF
    In this well-researched and insightful study, Lt Col Gregory A. Roman examines the relationships between military organizational hierarchies and the impact of battle-space information. Drawing on a sophisticated range of studies and data and using numerous illustrations, the author contends that the outmoded effects of traditionally centralized (and technologically proliferating) command and control orientations preclude the US military (and particularly the Air Force) from effectively applying and acting upon the benefits of information-age technologies in an age of information warfare. The author sees future warfare characterized by faster decision making, faster operational tempos, and a torrent of tactical battlefield information. These new realities necessitate greater decentralization of control, more flexible information gathering, and creative, nontraditional military organizational arrangements. Of particular relevance to the Air Force is the joint force air component commander (JFACC) structure and air tasking order (ATO) process. [Gregory A. Roman, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF 1997 / 39 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-8]
  •  AFD-171204-982-085.PDF

    The Decline of the Military Ethos and Profession of Arms

    Lt Col Michael R. Contratto, USAF
    Throughout history many new weapon technologies have been introduced into combat prior to a full evaluation or understanding of the doctrinal, legal, and ethical implications of their use.1 Similarly, today’s battlespace is witnessing the introduction of numerous robotic systems to conduct many military missions. Thus far these robots still operate with humans directly "in the loop" of the decision process—especially when that loop is part of an offensive kill chain.2 The future battlespace, if we allow it, will be quite different. While the exact year is still in doubt, the capability for robotic autonomous lethal engagements will eventually exist and possibly much sooner than many may think.3 Placing worries of "Skynet" achieving consciousness and bands of "Terminators" running amok aside, as military science and sociology fuse, we truly find ourselves on the cusp of a "brave new world" in warfare.4 [Lt Col Michael R. Contratto, USAF / 2012 / 40 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-62]
  •  AFD-171204-930-032.PDF

    The F-22: The Right Fighter for the Twenty-first Century?

    Michael J. Costigan
    The Quadrennial Defense Review of 1997 may have reaf - firmed the need for all three major aircraft modernization programs—the F-22, F/A-18E/F, and Joint Strike Fighter— but the debate is far from over. The F-22, the most expensive of the three programs, stands out as a lucrative target for budget cutters. Critics are quick to point out that the F-22 was designed during the cold war to defend the North Atlan - tic Treaty Organization airspace against the Warsaw Pact’s numerical superiority. With the cold war long over and the Soviet Union relegated to history, many experts question whether the F-22 is still necessary. They point to the United States’s overwhelming dominance in the Persian Gulf War using F-15Cs as evidence. F-22 proponents counter that the world is still a very dangerous place, and the United States needs the F-22 to ensure air superiority. In this study Lt Col Michael J. Costigan, USAF, takes a critical look at the F-22 and its role in our military strategy in the twenty-first century. Although the Soviet Union is gone, the United States may well face regional adversaries who will enjoy numerical superiority while the United States deploys its forces. Use of chemical or biological weapons could slow our deployment considerably while forcing other friendly as - sets in theater to disperse, further limiting their effectiveness. [Michael J. Costigan / 1997 / 18 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-9]
  •  The Impact of RPA Technology on Conventional Deterrence Against North Korea

    The Impact of RPA Technology on Conventional Deterrence Against North Korea

    Michael Edmonston
    In this paper, the author argues that the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft in Korea will help the US-ROK alliance and enhance deterrence against North Korea. The author uses three case studies in this argument: one from World War II, one from the Global War on Terror, and the last from the Korean peninsula, outlining the value of combined deterrence efforts on the part of the United States and the Republic of Korea. [Michael Edmonston/ 2022 / 55 pages / ISSN 2575-7539 / AU Press Code: MP-75]
  •  AFD-171204-748-029.PDF

    The National Guard Citizen-soldier

    Mark P. Meyer, Colonel, ANG
    It is my distinct pleasure to sign the foreword to the first Air War College paper to win the General Ronald R. Fogleman Award. As we move into the next century we must appreciate the fact that the United States is a militia nation, and the large standing military of the last 50 years is an aberration. The significance of the militia nation culture cannot be underestimated, and it must be ingrained into the force designers and force maintainers of the future as tomorrow’s Air Force continues to play an important role in supporting our national security policy. In "The National Guard Citizen-Soldier," Col Mark P. Meyer provides an excellent examination of the linkage between responsible national security policy and the will of the people. He argues that for our democratic government to act responsibly, it is imperative that national policy reflects the will of the people. It is especially important when the policy involves the use of the armed forces. In the United States, the National Guard and its citizen-soldiers are an essential part of the linkage. [Mark P. Meyer, Colonel, ANG / 1996 / 38 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-6]
  •  AFD-171204-257-095.PDF

    The Perils of Bipolarity

    Lt Col Mark O. Yeisley, USAF
    Intrastate conflicts, ranging from localized rebellions to civil war, increased linearly from 1946 through 1992 and then dramatically decreased in the post-Cold War era. This rise and fall of subnational conflict closely mirrors the “proxy” wars fought by or between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and the United States. Proxy refers to “(g)reat power hostility expressed through client states” and describes superpower use of these states to pursue strategic and ideological goals within the confines of nuclear deterrent postures extant during the Cold War.1 This was done in large part to achieve strategic national interests and other political goals without risking nuclear war. In its waning years, the USSR could no longer afford to fund these wars; America ended support to many of these commitments soon after the Cold War ended.2 The United States emerged from the Cold War as the sole superpower in a unipolar international system. However, evidence suggests this unipolarity could soon change as a new bipolar system emerges with China as the next challenger superpower. Scholars debate the likelihood of future war with a rising China, with each side arguing With resources dried up, former client states and subgroups had little choice but to resolve these conflicts, either via negotiation or decisive victory. [Lt Col Mark O. Yeisley, USAF / 2012 / 36 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-72]
  •  AFD-171204-338-093.PDF

    The Ring of Gyges

    Lt Col David R. Iverson, USAF
    From the time of Plato, men have pondered how an individual would act if they were unidentifiable or anonymous. In The Republic, Plato used the story of Gyges of Lydia, who found a ring in a cave and put it upon his finger to become invisible to show how a man would act when he believed himself to be anonymous. Gyges used the ring to take over a kingdom becoming the first in a long history of men who altered their actions when they believed themselves to be unidentifiable. [Lt Col David R. Iverson, USAF / 2012 / 70 pages / ISBN: / AU Press Code: MP-70]
  •  AFD-180619-395-015.PDF

    The Stakes Are High

    Lt Col Beth A. Behn, USA
    A series of high-profile ethical lapses by senior military professionals has generated calls from levels as high as the commander in chief for a renewed emphasis on military ethics. Leaders engaged in professional military education across the joint force have worked to ensure their programs support this call. This paper explores and assesses the ethics education programs at the service senior leader colleges (war colleges) based on three fundamental questions: (1) What are the desired outcomes of ethics education? (2) How should the curriculum be structured to achieve those outcomes? (3) What is the correct faculty composition to develop and employ that curriculum? Analysis reveals that existing ethics education programs at the war colleges compare favorably to the model program structure based on the answers to these questions. However, leaders at these institutions could further strengthen their programs by creating and empowering an “ethics team” that includes trained ethicists and military practitioners and by conducting more robust faculty development programs for nonethicists. [Lt Col Beth A. Behn, USA / Jan 2018 / 35 pages / AU Press Code P-124]
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