Air University (AU) > AUPress

April 17, 2020
A HOUSE BUILT ON SAND: Air Supremacy in US Air Force History, Theory, and Doctrine

In just over a century, aviation has progressed from a military afterthought to a central component of military operations. In that time, airpower has undergone exponential technological growth. Early aviation pioneers would scarcely recognize the fifth-generation aircraft being produced today. Some
March 9, 2020
The Laird-Packard Way: Unpacking Defense Acquisition Policy

This paper contends that the study of David Packard, the co-founder of electronics firm giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) and one of the founding fathers of Silicon Valley, is essential for those who seek to understand better the realm of defense acquisition (the battles before the battle). David Packard
Feb. 12, 2020
THE CASE FOR SPACE: A Legislative Framework for an Independent United States Space Force

This paper examines the United States Air Force’s role in managing space and provides recommendations for the future of space in the US military. Though it echoes specific recommendations made elsewhere by previous authors, the primary purpose of this paper is to consider the legislative
Nov. 27, 2019
Artificial Intelligence for Command and Control of Air Power

Computational power, data collection, and algorithm capabilities are increasing at an exponential rate. Artificial Intelligence (AI) advances demonstrate the ability to augment human thoughts and actions in countless areas, among which include the Command and Control (C2) of joint airpower. To
Nov. 15, 2019
Bridging the Gap: How an Airborne Mobile-Mesh Network Can Overcome Space Vulnerabilities in Tomorrow’s Fight

The US Air Force’s heavy reliance on space capabilities makes it vulnerable to potentially crippling asymmetric multi-domain attacks in the near future. While Air Force leaders have identified the importance of maintaining dominance in the space domain, their goal of attaining resilient and
Nov. 5, 2019
The Ultimate Challenge: Attribution for Cyber Operations

The inherent nature of cyberspace has created an opportunity for adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities of victim state’s cyberinfrastructures anonymously for a myriad of reasons. States and nonstate actors can use multiple avenues and techniques to route malicious malware with relative ease
Oct. 31, 2019
Combat Search and Rescue: Restoring Promise to a Sacred Assurance

This research paper analyzes historical data from Southeast Asia, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Allied Force to identify combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter shortfalls that endanger viable personnel recovery in a major theater war. It identifies still-relevant survivability
Oct. 8, 2019
Military Negotiation as Meta-Leadership: Engage and Align for Mission Success

This paper proposes a need for negotiation as an engaged leadership competency throughout the military. The paper speaks to the unique aspects of negotiation and conflict resolution in both benign and hostile military environments. When taking into consideration the economics of defense, negotiation
Oct. 8, 2019
Artificial Intelligence, China, Russia, and the Global Order

A wide variety of perspectives on the different uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Russia and China and the impact this will have on the Global Order. Essays are from leading defense professionals, academics, think tanks, and policy developers. A comprehensive primer for those concerned with
Aug. 27, 2019
Instructor Experiences in Traditional, Online, and Hybrid Continuing Education Courses: A Case Study

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine instructor experiences during course transitions from hybrid formats that combine online and face-to-face instruction to fully online instruction using research-based practices. The findings of this study would suggest traditional courses could be