Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aircraft and Vehicles => Topic started by: Halo on November 23, 2002, 06:21:36 PM
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Anyone have an opinion on Robert Coram's new book "Boyd, the Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War"? The book jacket claims "John Boyd may be the most remarkable unsung hero in all of American military history."
It further states: "Some remember him as the greatest U.S. fighter pilot ever -- the man who, in simulated air-to-air combat, defeated every challenger in less than forty seconds."
Coram says Boyd's Acolytes (Thomas Christie, Pierre Sprey, Raymond Leopold, Chuck Spinny, James Burton, and Mike Wyly) "believe that Boyd's final work made him the most influential military thinker since Sun Tzu wrote The Art of War 2,400 years ago."
Coram also asserts: "Boyd was a fighter pilot. He wore the Air Force uniform for 24 years. During that time he made more contributions to fighter tactics, aircraft design, and the theory of air combat than any man in Air Force history.
As a captain, Boyd wrote the widely used "Aerial Attack Study." After receiving his engineering degree at Georgia IT through the Air Force Institute of Technology sponsorship, Boyd developed his Energy-Manueverability Theory.
Boyd later moved from warrior-engineer to intellectual with the briefing "Patterns of Conflict." His influence was controversial in the Air Force, little acknowledged by the Navy, apparently accepted at least in part by the Army, and so cherished by the Marines that a statue of him in Air Force uniform is at Marine Base Quantico.
It's interesting that Robert Shaw's book "Fighter Combat" has no mention of Boyd either in its extensive bibliography or index.
What do you think? Does Boyd rank with Sun Tzu? Why doesn't Shaw acknowledge him? Have you ever heard of Boyd? Did you know him? What do you think of Boyd and his theories?
Superfluous caveat: Unless you know Boyd personally, please take a look at his book before commenting. It's a fascinating and sometimes brutal journey.
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Never heard of the guy but it sounds like its a nice read. Can it be found in any book store or is it an online only purchase?
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Bought the book from Amazon based on somebody else mentioning it on this board- it's a VERY good read. About 1/3 devoted to his flying exploits and 2/3 devoted to his role as military thinker and agitator of the defense establishment. In the latter role, he was (at least according to the book) extremely influential, although the author gives only a brief description of his theories. I think these are more fully analyzed in another book by a separate author titled "The Mind of War" by Grant Hammond (haven't read it yet).
As to whether he ranks with Sun Tzu, ask somebody in a couple thousand years. BTW, the book cites a great quote from Boyd comparing Sun Tzu with Clausewitz, something to the effect that Clausewitz was concerned with not getting his own head f***ed with, while Sun Tzu was concerned with f***ing with the other guy's head.
I have no idea why Shaw didn't reference him. I read Shaw a while ago and can't recall whether (or how often) he cited any other sources.
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anyone know if the "Aerial Attack Study" is available on the 'net?
it seems to be declassified, but google couldn't find it for me...
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Just purchased Boyds book today.
Will post review soon.
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I can ask Bob why he didnt reference Boyd, but I have no idea why he would or wouldn't. He is a very square shooter. I am sure if he used any of Col. Boyds information, he certainly would have.
DukeMskt