The U.S. Air Force stands at a crossroads as it contemplates its long term future. It can retain its atmospheric orientation and find itself mired in endless and fruitless debates over which military tasks (e.g., anti-tactical missiles) best fit which medium--and thus service. Yet, aerospace is no longer the high ground of combat--the medium whose domination makes victory everywhere else a matter of effort rather than fortune. Information plays that role today. As the world's leading military service in the application of emerging technology, the Air Force will be best served by adopting an infospheric orientation. By doing so, it can lay claim to the three new missions of the 21st century: strategic defense, global transparency, and extended information dominance.

“A bold and courageous clarion call from a highly respected serving officer that should be read and heeded by anyone interested in the future of the US Air Force.” —Everett Dolman, School of Advanced Airpower Studies Looking ahead to future airpower requirements, this engaging and groundbreaking book on the history and future of American combat airpower argues that the US Air Force must adapt to the changes that confront it or risk decline into irrelevance. To provide decision makers with the necessary analytical tools, Jeffrey J. Smith uses organizational modeling to help explain historical change in the USAF and to anticipate change in the future. While the analysis and conclusions it offers may prove controversial, the book aims to help planners make better procurement decisions, institute appropriate long-term policy, and better organize, train, and equip the USAF for the future. “Those airmen willing to actively engage such discussions would do well to turn to Smith’s book as the basic point of departure for debates concerning the intricate relationship between the Air Force’s past, present, and future.” —Strategic Studies Quarterly “This book is ‘out of the box’ thinking and is very timely given the recent and evolving Air Force roles and missions.” —Brigadier General Al Rachel, USAF (Ret.) “Colonel Smith has a great grasp of what the forthcoming debate will require. The Congress must reduce the spending at the very time our enemies are overtaking our capabilities. The debate needs to be engaged now. This book comes on the scene at just the right time.” —Denny Smith former US Congressman and Air Force F-4 pilot