Air forces have found that the answer to narrow, technically-focused understandings of air power has been, and continues to be, through education: the developing of a mastery of air power along with a broader of understanding of how and where it can best serve the needs of parent societies. Higher education for commanders and staffs develops critical thinking, creativity, and reasoning skills which better prepare individuals to think, to cope with unexpected problems and situations, and to anticipate military requirements.

The Symposium will look at the development of air power thought and education, and how learning has shaped the application of air warfare. Papers will deal both with the evolution of the concepts and at the same time the creation and evolution of the institutions that have taught these ideas over the first century of military flight. The conference organizing committee solicits proposals for papers on all aspects of air force learning over the past century. Topics may include such themes as:

-   civilian control of military education

-   the introduction of or reforms to air power education policies and programmes

-   the conduct of education courses

-   the impact of conflict and technology on air power education.

Papers considering air forces other than those of Western Europe, Australia, the US and Canada are particularly welcome.

Proposals should include a 200-300 word abstract accompanied by a one-page CV and should be emailed to Randall Wakelam (symposium16@rmc.ca) .

The proceedings of the conference will be published in an edited volume by the University of British Columbia Press.

Conference Venue:  Royal Military College of Canada, 13 General Crerar Crescent, Kingston ON K7K 7B4, Canada

------------------

Contact:

Dr Randall Wakelam

Associate Professor of History

Royal Military College of Canada

randall.wakelam@rmc.ca