Reader-friendly guide for Air Force

THE impact of impending changes in the Air Force on all its personnel is outlined in the reader-friendly Fundamentals of Australian Aerospace Power doctrine.

Speaking at the Air Force 2002 History Conference, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Angus Houston said the publication was a guide written by Air Force people for all Air Force members at the start of the 21st century.

“It is an accessible way for personnel to gain a greater understanding of their role - it should put into context why you do what you do,” he said.

AIRMSHL Houston said the doctrine defined Air Force beliefs and would serve as a guide, not an instruction, to generate discussion and encourage initiative.

Capability roles outlined included counter air, strike, aerial mining, offensive air support and airlift. Other roles examined are force multiplier, information operations, search and rescue, battlespace management, combat support and space.

The publication details a comprehensive view of Australian aerospace power topics:

• the evolution of aerospace power
• national security and conflict
• aerospace power characteristics
• capabilities and roles
• delivering aerospace
• people and aerospace; and
• the future of aerospace

  More sensitive to technological change than sea or land power, aerospace power is profoundly affected by technological advances and even relatively small innovations can have a major impact on aerospace power effectiveness.
  
  The publication addresses the 21st century challenge of keeping people as the most important asset despite the widely held belief that air forces are heavily dependent on technology almost to the exclusion of the human element.
  
  People will still be a major factor but required skills of the future will be different. Air Force members will be better educated and offer military input to the solution of crises. Technologies will continue to advance, but the products that are developed are merely tools with the human factor essential for success in all conflicts.
  
  Copies of the doctrine are available from the Aerospace Centre, RAAF Base Fairbairn.

• By Shane Fairlie

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