Title: Aerospace Policy Integration: USAF Operational Impacts in the Age of Space
Subject: The integration of air and space policy to maximize limited resources.
Author(s): Mark M. McLeod; Michael R. Foster (Faculty Advisor)
DTIC Keywords: AIR FORCE PLANNING, NATIONAL DEFENSE
Abstract:
The domestic issues affecting Air Force organization and operations
multiplied with the end of the Cold War. At the same time, the resources
available for defense have continued to decline. While it is clear that
shrinking defense budgets demand streamlining, it is not clear whether
this desire for efficiency will significantly affect combat readiness. With
the Air Force poised on the verge of space based operations, our
current environment raises some dilemmas for planners. How will limited
budgets affect our exploitation of space? Should we pool limited
resources nationally to maximize our efforts?
Towards that end, this research project will use two analytical tools (an
administrative model, and a non-utilitarian model) to study the success
of two public policy case studies. The first is the existing national air
policy since 1946. Armed with those results, we will compare and
analyze current national space policy (second case study) in an effort to
extrapolate expected results. This comparison will serve as the basis
for a discussion on the pros and cons of integrating our national air and
space policies, and of possible impacts a new organization might have
on future Air Force operations.