The Art of Wing Leadership: Exploring the Influences of Aircrew Morale in Combat (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781286863435)

This study addresses the role that the air force wing commander plays in affecting the level of aircrew morale during air combat. This study answers the question: Is it possible to identify those characteristics of leadership that are able to sustain aircrew morale in the face of significant losses? First, the author defines aircrew morale as the enthusiasm and persistence of airmen to fly combat missions. Next, the author establishes a framework within which aircrew morale can be assessed in three historical case studies of air combat. The first case study is Adolf Galland and Jagdgeschwader 26 during the Battle of Britain. The second case study is Joseph Laughlin and the 362d Fighter Group during the invasion of France in the summer of 1944. The final case study is James McCarthy and the 43rd Strategic Wing during Operation LINEBACKER II. The author concludes that aircrew control over development of combat tactics was the most important element affecting morale. Morale was generally raised in each case study when the wing commander either displayed tactical innovation himself, or allowed his pilots or crews to become innovative. The author recommends that the USAF take steps to modify doctrine and professional military education curriculum to relate these findings to the combat air forces.

Author: John J. Zentner
ISBN-10: 1286863430
ISBN-13: 9781286863435
Publisher: Biblioscholar
Language: English
Published: 10/26/2012
Pages: 110
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 9.69h x 7.44w x 0.23d