I'm in the middle of reading "The American Way of War" by Eugene Jarecki. The writer was the same guy who made the documentry "Why We Fight". For those of you that don't know, both the documentry and the book explain the excesses of the Military-Industrial Complex. The book definately parallels the John Boyd mentality.

The book brings up a significant amount of points with the flaw of the National Security Act of 1947, and why those flaws have placed an inordinate amount of unchecked power within the executive branch. The book goes on to explain how and why this inbalance of power lead to our misadventures in Vietnam and Iraq. In addition to the imbalance of power, it is beginning (at least in the part of the book I am in) examine how the Defense Department is so large and unresponsive to change that it is threatening our ability to defend us in the future (enter the careerism argument).

At first, I thought it would be a 'conspiracy theory' kind of book, but it examines the case in full, from the expanse of power in the executive branch under Roosevelt and the Cold War. With this examination, it points out that alot of things were well intentioned at the time, but due to defense contractors, careerists, etc. the good intentions have gone out the window and lead us to the current problems we have today. The guy definately did his homework, and although I do not always agree with his conclusions, it is definately good brain food for those interested.

Also, the basis of the book is the Eisenhower speech in which he warned of the growing Military-Industrial Complex, and relates it to today's situation.

Like I said, I do not 100% agree with the conclusions in the book, but it is worth a read for those who have something to say on this thread. Has anyone read this or seen "Why We Fight"? What are your thoughts?

"Whey We Fight" was an excellent documentary, and it brings up many interesting points to consider. By the way Trey, Gig Em!

That might be a book to consider submitting for our upcoming Leadership Book Club...

I'm a young guy, 23, married with a baby. It's been my life long goal to be a pilot in the Air Force. Now that I have a family and child going in, I'm definitely looking at it from a career perspective. I want to make sure that my family is provided for. That being said, I've lived on next to nothing working in the civilian world and while it would suck, I could manage to do it again. Is it so wrong for me to want to make sure I also have a career in front of me? I've grown up in an Air Force family (parents and brother) and I care deeply for my country, but I also care for myself and my family. Will I do whatever it takes to make sure that I can stick it out to the end, absolutely. Will I compromise my morals and ethics just to ensure a pay raise, not at all. Is it possible to be career oriented and not be a Careerist? Does that even make sense?

Ha I can understand that for sure. My personal integrity is one of the few things I have ultimate control over. My family doesn't necessarily come before my integrity unless harm may come of my family by trying to keep my integrity intact.. In which case I would make that sacrifice for my family. And like I said before, we've lived with pretty much nothing before, we can do it again, so I could risk my career by making the decision to do the right thing. I feel that by doing the right thing, even if it means separation, will be rewarded in the long run. I would certainly fight it though. My father was a CPT in the AF until 1993 when he resigned his commission instead of being forced out and he is a role model of mine when it comes to a military career. He is now a Chaplain in the Army as of last year. My mother is in the Reserves with 32 total years of service to date, another role model of mine. I truly believe that both of them have handled their careers with the utmost moral standing. I think that my brother and I will be able to do the same in our careers (pilots or not).