Defense
“Most Expensive Fighter in History” – – The Making of a Myth
The Air Force is developing a stealthy fighter called the F-22 Raptor. It is the only stealthy air-superiority fighter the U.S. is developing. The Navy’s F/A-l8 E/F Super Hornet is a fighter, but it isn’t stealthy. The . . .
The Marine Corps’ Common-Sense Approach to Helicopters
Today’s video games offer a stunningly realistic simulation of modern aerial combat. Many of these games place a player in a virtual cockpit of some of the most advanced warplanes in the world, with . . .
Mr. Rumsfeld’s Five Most Urgent Investment Challenges
President-elect Bush’s choice of a seasoned manager as Defense Secretary was a smart move, because the challenges the Pentagon faces are daunting. The Clinton Administration’s combination of global . . .
The Attack Submarine and Network-centric warfare
Submarines are the oldest major weapon system still in the U.S. military inventory, predating both fixed-wing aircraft and heavy armor. Their continued utility in modern warfare is attributable to a remarkable . . .
The Air Force Rethinks Global Strategy
While the political system has been distracted by a seemingly interminable presidential campaign over the last several months, the U.S. Air Force has begun a transformation of its global warfighting . . .
Coast Guard Aviation: Running Out of Time
One day earlier this year, the Coast Guard air station in Miami received a mayday call. But, because of maintenance problems -- mainly due to age, wear and tear, and parts shortages - not one of the station's . . .
What the Air Force Needs from the Next Quadrennial Review
The U.S. Air Force has awakened from the Clinton Administration's "procurement holiday" with a massive hangover. Almost everything it owns is aging rapidly, and needs to be replaced. Like the other . . .
Air Force Needs B-2s
Michael Vickers' compelling commentary on bomber modernization, "Bolster the B-2 Fleet Now," in the Oct 23 issue, left me feeling both sad and angry. Sad that the U.S. Air Force has undermined so . . .
Coast Guard Key Player in Homeland Defense
The proliferation and potential use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is considered by U.S. policy leaders to be one of the greatest threats to U.S. security in the future, whether delivered from abroad - via . . .
Coast Guard Part of National Readiness Equation
On Sept. 27, the House Armed Services Committee held hearings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ascertain the state of military readiness. Absent from the hearings was a representative of the Coast . . .