The Quest for Relevant Air Power

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of the readings, which clearly reveals the SwAF’s thrust towards
interoperability on a doctrinal level. 170
The GSO reading list elaborates on the JSO reading programme,
reiterating the general topics as well as broadening and deepening
the contents. Particular attention is devoted to military theory, the
classics of military thought, grand strategy, and security policy.
Furthermore, the programme exposes the students to the basic
theories of their sister services. With regard to air power theory,
the programme again puts a clear emphasis upon Anglo-Saxon
literature. Books, publications, and articles by authors such as
Tony Mason, Robert A. Pape, David A. Deptula, and James Corum
are studied. The students are also introduced to topics such as the
evolution of air power theory, John Boyd’s decision-making concept,
effects-based operations, air power and coercion, and air
power in low-intensity conflict, as well as Russian military aviation. 171
Regarding the dissemination of doctrinal thought, Swedish air
power doctrine is also taught at the GSO level. While it is introduced
in rather rudimentary form at the JSO level, students at the
GSO level are encouraged to reflect upon air power doctrine, to
analyse it in its entire depth, and even to present alternative suggestions
to the “absolutes” stated in the SwAF’s formal doctrine. 172
Since the beginning of the reform in the late 1990s, the development
of a joint culture and mindset has been a major ambition at
the SNDC. 173 The curricula for the JSO and GSO programmes are
divided into interservice and intraservice sequences, facilitating a
mutual understanding and at the same time furthering professionalism
in one’s own branch. 174 In the same vein, the study of
Swedish joint doctrine can be regarded as a fundamental element
on the way towards an enhanced interservice culture and joint
mindset.
Sweden’s security political reform had an impact not only upon
joint education but also upon international cooperation. In the
late 1990s, the SwAF started to send officers to the Air War College
or the Air Command and Staff College at the Air University at
Maxwell AFB. 175 Today, about 10 selected students annually complete
their GSO II programmes at non-Swedish military institutions
such as the Finnish Military Academy, the Staff College in
Oslo, the Führungsakademie in Hamburg, the JSCSC in the UK,
or—as just mentioned—AU. 176 Upon their return from foreign