Centralized control and decentralized execution
Subtitle: a catchphrase in crisis?
By: Clint Hinote
Contributors: Air University (U.S.). Air Force Research Institute; Air University (U.S.). Press
Series: Research paper 2009-1; Research paper (Air University (U.S.). Airpower Research Institute) -- 2009-1.
Publisher: Air University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala
Language: eng
Number of pages: 79
Subjects: United States. Air Force; United States; Planning; Command and control systems; Military art and science; Air power
Description: "The Air Force's master tenet of centralized control, decentralized execution is in danger of becoming dogma. Airmen have difficulty communicating the meaning of this phrase in a joint setting.1 This is partially due to our limited understanding of its history and the imprecise meaning of the words involved. Furthermore, the irregular conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq (and the ongoing service debates in the Pacific) have demonstrated the need for a deeper understanding of this master tenet to advocate effectively for airpower solutions. We must get this right, as it is critical to maximizing airpower's potential. Getting it right, however, requires moving beyond sound bites and bumper stickers."--Publisher website.
Notes: "March 2009"

At head of title: "Air University Air Force Research Institute."

Includes bibliographical references.

Also available via the Internet.
Table of contents: title: Centralized control and decentralized execution: a catchphrase in crisis?; title: Salvaging the master tenet; title: Historical context and an age-old question; title: Breaking down the master tenet and understanding fundamental issues; title: Challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan; title: Answering the challenges; title: Centralization versus decentralization in air operations.