The Art of Wing Leadership and Aircrew Morale in Combat

Colonel Zentner addresses the role that the air force wing commander plays in affecting the level of aircrew morale during combat. He defines aircrew morale and establishes a framework within which aircrew morale can be assessed in three historical case studies of air combat. Colonel Zentner answers this question: Is it possible to identify those characteristics of leadership that are able to sustain aircrew morale in the face of significant losses? He concludes that aircrew control over development of combat tactics was the most important element affecting morale. Colonel Zentner recommends that the USAF take steps to modify doctrine and the professional military education curriculum to relate these findings to the combat air forces.