Gates Calls for Military Advancement, Less Sucky AirForce

This new set of realities and requirements have meant a wrenching set of changes for our military establishment that, until recently, was almost completely oriented toward winning the big battles in the big wars. Based on my experience at CIA, Texas A&M, and now the Department of Defense, the culture of any large organization takes a long time to change. The really tough part is preserving those elements of the culture that strengthen the institution and motivate the people in it, while shedding those elements of the culture that are barriers to progress and achieving the mission. All of the Services must examine their cultures critically, if we are to have the capabilities relevant and necessary to overcome the most likely threats America will face in years to come.

I’ve never seen him this rough with the forces before (although they have been the most petulant and most like Halperan’s old studies – nuclear airplane anyone?). He even calls into question the viability of the AirForce at all, flying in the face of all post-war theory.  Characteristically wonderful call to arms, uncharacteristic bashing of those who have refused to step up. Beautiful.