Air Power, Insurgency and the “War on Terror” - Prof. Joel Hayward's ...

Starting with a Blank Sheet: Principles of War for a New Century
I do not wish to sound flippant, because <strong>the</strong> concept of Purpose is indeed an important
one. However, I question whe<strong>the</strong>r any term or concept so freighted with ambiguity <strong>and</strong>
capable of distortion is worthy of consideration as a principle of war.
To summarise, this is my effort at proposing new Principles of War for a new era of
warfare. In my view, <strong>the</strong>y reflect <strong>the</strong> new conditions, new enemies, <strong>and</strong> new technologies
that now dominate warfare. Warfare has changed, <strong>and</strong> we must change with it. These new
Principles of War can help us underst<strong>and</strong> this new era <strong>and</strong> also shape <strong>the</strong> doctrine <strong>and</strong>
force structure we will need to confront that new era.
I owe special thanks to Dr Steve Chiabotti, Colonel Eric Herr, <strong>Air</strong> Commodore Mike
Harwood <strong>and</strong> <strong>Air</strong> Vice Marshal Tony Mason for <strong>the</strong>ir insights <strong>and</strong> criticisms of this essay.
206
<strong>Air</strong> <strong>Power</strong>, <strong>Insurgency</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> “War on Terror”