Course Description
Second-year survey course covering a time period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age global positioning systems of the Persian Gulf War. Historical examples are provided to extrapolate the development of Air Force capabilities and missions and to determine the evolution of what has become today's United States Air Force air/space power. Examination of several fundamental truths associated with war from doctrinal/historical perspectives, incorporation of operational examples of Air Force core values, and development of writing/briefing style to meet Air Force communication skills requirements.
Athena Title
AIR POWER HISTORY I
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Know the key terms and definitions used to describe air and space power. Know the milestones or historical events, leaders, and technological advancements that surround the evolution and employment of USAF air and space power. Demonstrate basic verbal/written comm skills. Demonstrate an operational understanding of the AF core values and recognize examples of their use throughout the evolution of US air and space power.
Topical Outline
COURSE PLAN/SCHEDULE AIRS 2001 - FALL SEMESTER HOUR SUBJECT ASSIGNMENT 1 Introduction and Overview None 2 Air and Space Power Defined None 3 Early Flight to World War I AMA, pp. 11-29, Review CFD Model 4 Advent of the Air Age: WWI AMA, pp. 29-47 Review CFD Model T-211, pp. 5-8 5 Interwar Years AMA, pp. 48-67; 72-84 6 Airpower in WWII AMA, pp. 84-108 T-211, pp. 21-47 7 European Theater, WWII AMA, pp. 108-119 8 Pacific Theater, WWII AMA, pp. 119-141 Review CFD Model T-211, pp. 21-47 9 Mid-Term Exam (covers hours 2-8) 10 Independent AF/Cold War AMA, pp. 142-147 T-211, pp 49-59 11 The Berlin Airlift AMA, pp. 147-149 “Operations Vittles” (paper due 5 Nov) 12 LeMay, Korean, Nuclear AMA, pp. 149-194 Deterrence 13 LeMay, Korea, Nuclear AMA, pp. 149-194 Deterrence 14 Air and Space Power AMA, pp.11-194 Revisited Review CFD Model 15 Review/Semester Closure--Review AMA, pp. 11-194 Review T-211,pp. 1-53 16 Final Exam (covers hours 10-15)