Air University Review, September-October 1977
Thirty years ago, the United States Army Air Forces published the first issue of the Air University Quarterly Review. The original charter for the Review was Major General Muir S. Fairchild's memorandum of 27 February 1947, which read in part: "This journal of Air Power will not be just another news-magazine, nor is it intended as a periodical of interest only to the Air University. Rather, it will be a professional publication in the highest sense of the word and will reflect not only the high scholastic standards and educational accomplishments of the Air University, but also--and more important, perhaps--the best professional thought concerning global concepts and doctrines of air strategy and tactics."
The first editorial presented a statement of policy: "The Editor and the Editorial Board wish to encourage new thinking. Consequently, if the appearance here of articles which may not agree with accepted policy, or even with majority opinion, will stimulate discussion and provoke controversy, an important part of this journal's mission will have been accomplished: to induce airmen to have original thoughts on these matters and to give these thoughts expression."
Thirty years later, our editorial policy is essentially unchanged. (See statement at the bottom of next page.) That our pages have not completely achieved the announced editorial goals is perhaps more painfully evident to the Review staff than to the casual reader. But we remain fully committed to the encouragement of original thinking and will actively seek to eliminate whatever restraints inhibit the free exchange of ideas.
The lead article by Dr. Paul J. Nahin contrasts the capability of our long-range antiaircraft missiles with the lagging ability to identify enemy aircraft positively. Our cover depicts reliance on the human eye as "the only truly positive technique available today for distinguishing between friend and foe. . . . "
General F. Michael Rogers enunciates the logistician's view of readiness in our Air Force Review department, reminding the operational specialists that" . . . without a responsive logistical support capability, our first line weapon systems would become little more than static displays."
Disclaimer
The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.
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