Aviators, Air Combat, and Combat Stress: An Air Force Commander's Primer

Abstract

Abstract : There is currently no interdisciplinary study which surveys the U.S. Air Force's philosophical and organizational responses to the problems of combat fatigue or psychological collapse during the history of air war. While stress and battle shock casualties are topics of concern inside the military medical community, the subjects receive little attention from contemporary aircrew, or, more importantly, among Air Force squadron and wing commanders. This study begins with a brief look at the human dimension of airpower, examines some of the characteristics of airmen, and reviews the risky nature of the air combat environment. It goes on to describe the impact of stress on airmen and covers the Air Force's historical responses to them. More than a simple survey, however, this monograph will make specific recommendations regarding the education and training of commanders, officers, and airmen so they will be equipped to deal realistically with the potential problem of stress related casualties.