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Air Force
A compelling insider's view of the modern RAAF.AIR FORCE tells the action-packed, inside story of the modern Royal Australian Air Force, from East timor and the Bali bombings to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Ian McPhedran brings us gripping personal accounts of fighter pilots' bombing raids over Iraq, spy planes over Afghanistan, the operational nerve centre of the Middle East war and the delivery of humanitarian aid in world trouble-spots. this compelling narrative of the RAAF's aircraft, leadership, traditions and personalities comes at a time of rapid change, as technology propels it into the next generation of air power and the futuristic era of stealth.
448 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It provided a very good overview of where and what AF has been doing since 1997. I particularly enjoyed the insight into the acquisition process.
June 22, 2014
McPhedran's book provides a good overview of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the period from 1999 to the present. This period began with operations in East Timor and then moved on to a long deployment in the Middle East. The book focuses on the men and women of the RAAF giving details of their background and the work that they do.
The main problem with the book was its hagiographic tone. It tends to effusive praise rather than being a little more critical in its assessment. In the chapter discussing the RAAF's operations in East Timor it was hinted that problems were exposed as Australia's troops entered their first major overseas operation in more than two decades. However, this was quickly glossed over. I feel the book would have been much more informative if it had spent a little more time discussing these problems and how they were overcome.
I would have also liked to read more about the RAAF's humanitarian operations. There is significant coverage of the response to the Bali bombings in 2002. However, other major events such as the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami and 2009 Padang earthquake are only mentioned in passing. A more glaring omission is the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which is not mentioned at all.
Another interesting aspect of the book is that it looks at some of the new technologies being adopted by the RAAF and how this will impact future operations. It is clear that the air wars of the future will increasingly be fought by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with teams of operators in control rooms remote from the theatre.
The main problem with the book was its hagiographic tone. It tends to effusive praise rather than being a little more critical in its assessment. In the chapter discussing the RAAF's operations in East Timor it was hinted that problems were exposed as Australia's troops entered their first major overseas operation in more than two decades. However, this was quickly glossed over. I feel the book would have been much more informative if it had spent a little more time discussing these problems and how they were overcome.
I would have also liked to read more about the RAAF's humanitarian operations. There is significant coverage of the response to the Bali bombings in 2002. However, other major events such as the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami and 2009 Padang earthquake are only mentioned in passing. A more glaring omission is the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which is not mentioned at all.
Another interesting aspect of the book is that it looks at some of the new technologies being adopted by the RAAF and how this will impact future operations. It is clear that the air wars of the future will increasingly be fought by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with teams of operators in control rooms remote from the theatre.
January 15, 2017
I found this book to be incredibly well written, very well edited and very informative.
I have never ever had an interest in the Air Force or any form of military for that matter, but thoroughly enjoyed what this book had to offer. McPhedran's writing is informative, interesting and intelligent.
I had initial concerns that it would be overly patriotic but it is not. It also quite openly acknowledges many of the moral issues that come about by the various invasions and wars that the US and its coalition takes part in and also acknowledges the outstanding contribution of women in their various roles in this male dominated sector.
I have never ever had an interest in the Air Force or any form of military for that matter, but thoroughly enjoyed what this book had to offer. McPhedran's writing is informative, interesting and intelligent.
I had initial concerns that it would be overly patriotic but it is not. It also quite openly acknowledges many of the moral issues that come about by the various invasions and wars that the US and its coalition takes part in and also acknowledges the outstanding contribution of women in their various roles in this male dominated sector.
May 5, 2012
Told in too gossipy a style for my liking. It also has one of those "they can do no wrong" feelings. Maybe it will get better.
Finished, and no, the style stayed pretty much the same. Trying to personalise each chapter by looking at an individual and a brief discussion of that person in regards to their profession. Some chapters better than others but overall a bit too superficial when it comes to a summary of the present and recent past of the Australia Air Force
Finished, and no, the style stayed pretty much the same. Trying to personalise each chapter by looking at an individual and a brief discussion of that person in regards to their profession. Some chapters better than others but overall a bit too superficial when it comes to a summary of the present and recent past of the Australia Air Force
October 18, 2013
Took a little while to get into the conversational style of he author. No critical analysis here - just one big Air Force love in. Interesting though. I found the stories of those involved in Bali and East Timor quite moving.
September 10, 2015
Bad phrasing and the misguided decision to use a conversational writing style ruined what could have otherwise been a unique and involving account of military personnel and their experience of service.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews