Army and Air Force Subcultures: Effects on Joint Operations - Example from History, U.S. Army Air Force Development During World War II, Air Force Culture in the Cold War, Korean and Vietnam War

This report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. Joint effectiveness of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army forces is critical to achieving national objectives in today's strategic environment. Constrained procurement budgets and unprecedented and diverse missions call for effective dialogue and synergy between land and air forces. Despite this requirement, joint operations and dialogue still indicate fundamental differences and misunderstandings over 60 years after the meeting at Casablanca to restructure air-ground strategy and tactics. This project begins with a historical perspective of the Air Force-Army relationship and contemporary examples of inter-service disconnects. Next, an analysis of prevalent service strategies and cultures is described as a possible origin of these disconnects. Finally, a strategy is provided for refining this critical joint relationship.

An organization's essence is its culture, an ethos that reflects a bond between its members and its mission. Some cultural elements are prominent, while others exist outside the conscious realm of its members. Perhaps no profession outwardly reflects its culture more than the military. A particular uniform, specialty badge or qualification normally reflects deeper beliefs and traits unique to an individual's service or experience. These beliefs separate military service from other professions and are fundamental to many deeply held traditions. Although positive and necessary to the profession of arms, service cultures can clash to inhibit a joint culture we aspire to perfect. In this sense, the strength of service culture can become a weakness. This project addresses one such collision between U.S. Air Force and Army subcultures.

Cultural differences between the Army and Air Force may seem natural given the characteristics and environments of their missions. Joint success, however, depends upon their cultural integration and combined capabilities. This essay will examine organizational culture as it applies to the military and provide a historical perspective of the relationship between these two services to include current operations in southwest Asia. It will also examine the cultural styles and doctrinal origin of each service and present methods of preserving and building on recent joint success.