Volume 4 No 4 - Air Power Studies

Foreword
Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire GCB DFC AFC ADC DSc FRAeS RAF
This Foreword marks the fourth complete volume of the Royal Air Force Air Power Review.
In his foreword to the inaugural edition, my predecessor highlighted the importance of
debate on the exploitation of air power in the unpredictable and uncertain strategic
environment. The tragic events of 11 September, and the tensions that have followed, have
emphasised the need for debate, the need for doctrine and the vital conceptual thinking
that we must have if we are to avoid a mesmeric descent into dogma and unthinking
reaction. Nor must we forget that, horrific though the events in America were, the vast
majority of our strategic posture and doctrine remains absolutely valid.
As we contemplate how air power can be employed in future conflicts, we must remember
that little in warfare is new. The scale may change and the lengths to which belligerents are
prepared to go may also vary. A wary eye on history will help us to keep some things in
proportion and the pages of this Journal have helped in this part of the process. Clausewitz
is well known for his utterances on war being an extension of politics by other means. The
same is true across the complete spectrum of conflict. War, conflict and terrorism are all
forms of human activity. We may talk all too glibly about people coming first and so forth;
when we actually need to fight, this apparent truism becomes of vital importance.
As this Journal continues to explore wider issues and new areas of the air power spectrum, I would strongly urge you all to
continue to engage in debate and to participate in the underlying conceptual thinking that will enable us to meet future
challenges.