Smith, J: Forging the Sword: Developing Leaders for the Air

This research addresses how the Air Force can best prepare officers for leadership positions in the Air Operations Center. Before examining Air Operations Center leadership development, this work begins with an historical survey of airpower command and control. Identifying the historical and enduring airpower command and control concepts enabled a comparison and subsequent determination that current Air Operations Center capabilities sufficiently incorporate historical airpower lessons. This study then examines the education and training system available for developing Air Operations Center leaders, and identifies areas of both success and concern. Recommendations and possible solutions for each concern complete this research. Overall, this research determined that current Air Operations Center leadership development needs to be organized under a deliberate continuum that integrates both education and training across an entire career. Officers who have obtained significant experience and skill within the Air Operations Center must be diligently managed to ensure airpower command and control expertise exists at all ranks. Additionally, Air Operations Center personnel, technology, and processes must continue to strive for appropriate standardization in order to ensure the effectiveness of an Air Operations Center leadership development system. Further concerns, beyond the scope of this research, that affect Air Operations Center leadership development are identified as areas requiring additional study.