By
WOFF Howden Farrar
WHAT
is air power doctrine and what’s in it for me? This is a
question you might hear around the workplace when people are asked
about Air Force doctrine.
A clear understanding of Air Force doctrine is more important
now than before because the Services are moving towards a more
joint approach in their activities.
As Air Force members, we have to be able to provide specialised
knowledge to our counterparts in the other Services. The current
global security uncertainty, resulting in a high operational tempo,
makes it necessary for us to be able to put the actions of our
force in the correct perspective. You will already be aware that
air power subjects are incorporated in all PMET courses and it
is through this outlet that a broader understanding of air power
issues is being incorporated.
So where does doctrine fit in? Simply put, it is the formalisation
of the things you have already learned and experienced throughout
your careers. Our doctrine manual describes the Air Force and
the way we do our business, while also providing information on
why we are an Air Force and what is special about us.
So what’s in it for you? It doesn’t matter if you are
from an ECSS, a medical unit or a flying squadron, to be able
to work successfully together means we must know the inter-relationship
of the different parts that form our Air Force.
History has always demonstrated, and recent experience has emphasised,
that it is important for the various elements to work in a cooperative
manner to achieve success in operations.
By having a better understanding of what your mates do, and why,
and by them understanding what you do, it becomes easier for everyone
to perform their assigned jobs. I am sure that if you were asked
to learn something that could make your job easier you would jump
at the chance. Learning air power doctrine is one such task.
The Air Power Development Centre can provide you with a copy of
the AAP 1000, The Fundamentals of Australian Aerospace Power,
which will give you the necessary information on our Air Force.
We also have other resources to help you gain a better insight
into air power and they are listed on our web site at www.raaf.gov.au/airpower.
Let us be your guide to achieving a better understanding of larger
doctrinal issues.
Understanding the reason for studying doctrine is important because
we all have a desire to know why we do the things we do, which
then betters our professional capability. Finally, if you have
any doubts regarding any component of our doctrine or want to
put your view forward to help shape our future force, then contact
us at the Air Power Development Centre at airpower@defence.gov.au.
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WOFF Howden “Sparra” Farrar is WOFF Airman Education
and Doctrine at the Air Power Development Centre.
