CRITIQUE OF AIR WAR COLLEGE 1968-1969

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-06367A000100040005-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: November 17, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 20, 2000
• Sequence Number: 5
• Publication Date: June 13, 1969
• Content Type: MF

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MEMORANDUM FOR: Director of Training
FROM
SUBJECT
1969
: Critique of Air War College 1969
25X1A9a
1. it would be difficultto conceive a better preparation
than the Air War College for my upcoming assignment to MN 25X1A6a
cussed, thought about, wrote on, criticized, and argued
mamma Asia and the U.S. future ill the far Pacific al-
most constantly during the 10-month course. In addition I was
fortunate enough to be assigned to the SEA elective which went
into considerable detail on the irLdividual countries in the are*.
Beyond the specialized SEA input, the ANC was * splendid ex-
perience from many aspects. For the first time in a long while
1 took a detailed look at this gigantic government of ours. This
In itself was a rare opportunity for one who considers himself
a bit of a political scientist. Further, the research thesis was
a real highlight of the course for me, perhaps because I selected
en intoresting and provocative subject that had never been pre-
viously explored by anyone. I believe the AWC has sent a copy
el my thesis -- "Aerospace Power and Strategic Psychological
Conflict" -- to the National Aeronautics and Space Council in
the Executive Office of the President.
4kieftsr
t
Excluded I ram automatic
downgratilly; sad
declarillicaticil
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Z. above does not, of course, mean ti-at the
C was flawless. It is ironical that the world's largest Air
Force should be unable to fly us to Cape Kennedy for a Saturn
shoot in this outstanding space year, or to Panama to observe
CLNCSOUTH's rather tight little command. We went to the UN
which many of us had been to several times before, and to Fort
Bragg, which I visited during the Agency'. Midcareer course a
few years back. Further, I found a sometimes disturbing in-
flexibility and conservatism among the faculty of the AWC that
is bard to explain. Of course, the military is on the defensive
because of the current onslaught against the Military -- Industrial
complex, and perhaps this partially explains the phenomenon.
Team solutions that were hyper-conservative on cost and strategy
almost always won the referees nod. Perhaps this is just the
way the military mind works. In any case, General Donohew
told me during our last chat that, by God, the AWC was going
to change its philosophy or else I One Of the major problems that
bugs the General, the faculty, and students is the propensity
for top government officials to give wiring diagrarn briefings
on their organizations. Also, the tendency of top men to send
deputies with prepared texts that are almost entirely lifeless
and bureaucratic is regretted by everyone. Next year the policy
will be to invite the top men of the various commands with a
request to talk on problems and philosophy, not OA the organiza-
tional structures they lead. Further, if the top man cannot come,
the AWC will simply scratch that lecture and throw in a prepared
one-day crisis-management problem.
3. There were other problems, of course, that hay, been
highlighted in the critiques of previous AWC graduates I won't
repeat these here, but only note that many of them still exist.
I do believe General Donohew and his faculty are doing their
best to correct these faults, and time will only tell.
It was a fascinating year to be in the AWC. The
PUEBLO, the national elections, the change of administrations
Apollo L the social unrest in our land, the growing clamor
against the Vietnam War -- all these provided topics of unusual
Internet to the class of predominantly full colonels. These were
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brave and resourceful men who had, for the most part, fought
'An three wars. Their frustration with the Vietnam conflict was
obvious, as was ? r anger and discontent with the McNamara
years at DOD. Systems analysis control of the military struc-
ture and strategy was the basis for their discouragement. Now
they suddenly find themselves under heavy political attack from
various sources. This is a shame, for their service records
and their accomplishments attest to their dedication and courage.
We are fortunate to have such an officer cadre. I came away
from the AWC with a new respect and affection for these men.
5. As for myself, the AWC wa. most rewarding. For
t time I understand our government's workings from
policy formulation to a small patrol action in 1 Corps
understand now tow CIA fits into the picture at all
. I could, I believe, even find my way around DOD! Most
rit of all, perhaps, is a vastly better understanding of
nation faces around the world and at home in the decade
This should stand me in good stead during this last 10
years of my own career in the Agency. The challenges we all
face now are so much greater than ever before, and the 10 months
of thinking about and working on these challenges at the AWC
were one of the most rewarding periods of my career.
6. The faculty and the student body at the AWC are well-
ed toward the Agency, although they know little about it.
el Taylor gave a good briefing and answered many good
questions. Lacking in the Agency's presentation to the .AWC
was the fascinating but difficult-to-define philosophy of intelli-
gent* operations. This is what the students wanted but did not
get. General Donohew personally urged me to see Mr. Helms
and pass on the General's request to *peak next year at the ANC.
U this could be arranged, the General feels this would be one of
the high points of the course.
7. Living in Montgomery is pleasant. The schools our
n attended (Sidney Lanier high School, Floyd Junior lit h
and Elementary School) were excellent. The atmosphere
*4 and the people, both in Montgomery and at Maxwell,
endly and outgoing.
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$ ItnaUy 1 urge all officers attending A4nre AWC
put forth their best efforts profession* and
Like all things. the rewards of AWC are in pro-
e input. My grateful ths.nVes to the Agency for
the AWC and to OTR for its excellent support
10 months.
25X1 A9
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