Military Strategy, Joint Operations, and Airpower ― An Introduction

Military Strategy, Joint Operations, and Airpower will introduce readers to contemporary strategy and the operational level of war, particularly as it relates to airpower.

This intermediate textbook was developed as required reading for all US Air Force Academy cadets, and is designed to close the gap between military theory and military practice. It asks readers to reconceive of the military as a “profession of effects” rather than as a profession of arms because much of the military's work and impact no longer involves kinetic warfare.

The book covers strategic foundations; operational design and joint-service operations; the air, space, and cyber capabilities that make up modern airpower; and contemporary challenges in the application of strategy. The contributing authors include both military practitioners and scholars of security studies, political science, and history.

In addition to being required reading for Air Force Academy cadets, the book will provide an essential overview of strategy and practice for anyone interested in modern airpower and the joint operating environment.

Ryan Burke is an associate professor in the Department of Military & Strategic Studies at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) and was formerly a captain in the US Marine Corps.

Lt. Col. Mike Fowler is an associate professor in the Department of Military & Strategic Studies at USAFA.

Lt. Col. Kevin McCaskey is an assistant professor in the Department of Military & Strategic Studies at USAFA.