Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin wants Airmen to study up on drone warfare in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, citing their “transformative impact” on modern warfare, as part of the latest installment of his Leadership Library.
Specifically, Allvin is recommending a report from the think tank Center for a New America Security released in February, one of four new additions to his list of books, films, podcasts, and papers for Airmen to peruse.
“Evolution not Revolution: Drone Warfare in Russia’s 2022 Invasion of Ukraine,” by Stacie Pettyjohn, CNAS
Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at CNAS, previously worked at the RAND Corporation where she served as the director of the strategy and doctrine program in Project AIR FORCE.
Her report on drone warfare relies on secondary sources, interviews with experts, U.S. officials, and NATO leaders, and analysis and “provides an insightful analysis of the changing character of war, focusing on the role of drones in modern warfare,” Allvin wrote. “As Airmen, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest technological advancements and their implications for the battlefield.”
Pettyjohn reached several conclusions in her report, including the importance of drone stacks over drone swarms, the use of long-range “kamikaze” drones,” and emerging counterdrone systems. Such insights come at a key time for the U.S. Air Force as it works on Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the autonomous drones meant to fly alongside manned fighters, and also seeks to counter growing drone threats around the world.
“George Marshall: Defender of the Republic” by David L. Roll
Roll has written several books about World War II-era leaders, including President Harry Truman, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson, and presidential adviser Harry Hopkins. Allvin, however, is recommending Airmen read Roll’s 2019 biography of Army Gen. George Marshall, who went on to serve as Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State and played a key role in the reconstruction of Europe after World War II.
“By examining Marshall’s leadership style and decision-making process, Airmen will gain valuable insights into strategic planning and crisis management,” Allvin wrote. “This work will aid Airmen seeking to better understand the complexities of leadership and the importance of character in shaping outcomes. General Marshall was clearly an extremely effective leader in a time of consequence.”
“Leading Change,” by John P. Kotter
Kotter, a management consultant and a professor at the Harvard Business School, is considered an expert in organizational leadership, and his book “is a must-read for Airmen seeking to drive meaningful change and innovation,” Allvin wrote. “Drawing on real-life examples, Kotter outlines a multi-step process that enables leaders to navigate the complexities of change and overcome resistance. By understanding the nuances of change management, Airmen will be better equipped to create a more agile and adaptive force.”
Kotter has published more than half a dozen books on organizational change and leadership, but “Leading Change” was his first. Allvin’s selection dovetails with his mantra of “Following Through” on major changes the Air Force has initiated in the past several years.
“Unveiling the Motivation Vacuum in the Workplace,” from At the Table with Patrick Lencioni
A podcast episode that “offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance motivation, retention, culture, and productivity,” Allvin wrote. “The key to success lies in aligning individual and team goals while fostering resilience. This episode provides valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining motivation in the workplace and offers actionable solutions for leaders to create a more driven and productive team.”
Like Kotter, Lencioni is a management consultant and author.