UPK Book Makes Air Force Reading List

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23, 2016) — Brian D. Laslie’s book, "The Air Force Way of War: Training and Tactics after Vietnam" published by University Press of Kentucky (UPK), has been selected to the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (CSAF) 2016 Professional Reading List. "The Air Force Way of War" was selected by Gen. Mark Welsh III, along with eight other books, several TED Talks, web publications, photographers, videos and journals.

The CSAF Professional Reading Program was started in 1996 to encourage a shared knowledge and reference base amongst members of the U.S. Air Force — including officers, enlisted members and civilians — that also advocates for air and space power. The reading lists are built around a common theme, and include inspiring material that motivates and offers perspective to Air Force members in all stages of their careers.

"This year’s reading list addresses every Airman on our total force team," Gen. Welsh said. "The profession of arms, Air Force heritage, and developing Airmen are topics that apply to all of us."

"The Air Force Way of War" is an unprecedented study of Red Flag, the groundbreaking training program introduced by the Air Force in the wake of heavy damage and casualties in Vietnam. The new program’s instruction methods were dubbed “realistic” because they prepared pilots for real-life situations better than the simple cockpit simulations of the past, and students gained proficiency on primary and secondary missions instead of superficially training for numerous possible scenarios.

In addition to discussing the program’s history and methods, Laslie analyzes the way its graduates actually functioned in combat during the 1980s and '90s in places such as Grenada, Panama, Libya and Iraq. Military historians have traditionally emphasized technological developments during this period and have overlooked the vital importance of advances in training, but Laslie’s exceptional study examines the seminal Red Flag program to illuminate the revolution in pilot instruction.

The Strategy Bridge, an online national security blog that is also featured on this year’s CSAF Reading List, called "The Air Force Way of War," "[A]n essential read for anyone who has ever experienced (or wanted to experience) the thrill of being a part of the world’s largest aerial exercise of 100+ aircraft battling over the Nevada desert, known as Red Flag." Their review also praised Laslie, who "skillfully illuminates the human depth and endeavors of a service that [...] works diligently and intelligently to integrate new technology with the humans who operate it."

"With thoughtful leadership, Gen. Welsh has put together a powerful list of diverse content that will challenge each airman to expand her or his worldview," said Vernā Myers, whose TED Talk on unconscious bias was also included on the list. "With this valuable information, airmen will be equipped to break down stereotypes, to understand the life experience of people different from themselves, and to foster a more inclusive, fair and high-performing Air Force."

"The Air Force Way of War" along with the other books on the reading list will be added to Air Force base libraries in the coming weeks. It is currently available wherever fine books are sold.

Brian D. Laslie is deputy command historian at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).

UPK is the scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, representing a consortium that includes all of the state universities, five private colleges, and two historical societies. The press’ editorial program focuses on the humanities and the social sciences. Offices for the administrative, editorial, production and marketing departments of the press are found at the University of Kentucky, which provides financial support toward the operating expenses of the publishing operation through the UK Libraries.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu