Over Not Through

A 2010 RAND summer study explored how the Air Force contributes uniquely to the nation's security. The group concluded that the Air Force serves the nation best when it creatively marshals its human capital and material resources to provide the President and his advisors with innovative, implementable solutions to developing, tough national security challenges. During this study, the importance of a strong, common culture kept emerging. What follows is a brief exploration of the foundations of Air Force culture, that is, its cultural narrative. The different narratives described in the document stem from identifying major moments when the Air Force's focus significantly shifted. Some, but not all, of these shifts are associated with wartime.