The book focuses on the career and influence of Michael W. Wynne, former Secretary of the Air Force, and his perspectives on American military strategy and technological innovation. The book covers a wide range of topics related to national defense, military modernization, airpower, and global strategic competition. The book emphasizes the need for innovation, interoperability, and a forward-thinking approach to maintaining America’s military advantage in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The book champions innovation in various areas, including: fifth-generation air capabilities, hypersonics, UID and RFID innovations for logistics, cyber warfare, interoperability and partnerships in shaping coalition capabilities, the growing dynamics of change with the OODA loop and decision-making with the crafting of a military kill web, the struggle to overcome the legacy of the land wars, and many other areas of innovation.

The alternative title to the book could have been, Defense Innovation: Reflections on the Work of Michael W. Wynne.
A key driver for Wynne’s approach in government and out has been what we have referred to as the Wynne doctrine: ”If you are ever involved in a fair fight; it is the result of poor planning”

As Lt General (Retired) David Deptula wrote in his forward to the book: “Leadership is more than a title—it is a calling. Few have answered that call with the depth of dedication, intellect, and vision that Michael Wynne demonstrated as the 21st Secretary of the United States Air Force.

“Wynne led with an unwavering commitment to innovation, modernization, and the men and women in uniform who keep our nation safe. His tenure was marked by transformative efforts to ensure the Air Force remained at the forefront of global security, from advocating for advanced air, space and cyber capabilities to emphasizing the integration of cutting-edge technologies into military operations.”

The Honorable Edward Timperlake added: “To me, Mike Wynne was truly a man for all seasons. He always had the courage of his convictions, a true leader that did so much good for American National Security.”

And Lt General (Retired) Preziosa underscored: “This book is a testament to the enduring importance of leadership, vision, and adaptability in ensuring that the United States maintains its edge in global military competition.

When Wynne and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mosley were fired in 2008 by the then Secretary of Defense it was an historical turning point in American defense policy. The firing of Mosely and Wynne was not just a personnel move, but the beginnings of a dramatic shift of the U.S. military away from strengthening its global naval and air power projection capabilities in favor of a focus on land operations which would drain the treasury and change the U.S. military for two decades.

When the U.S. woke up to the emergence of the multi-polar world labelled as the “great power competition” by President Trump, it was late in the day to focus on what was needed. Many of the projects which Wynne had initiated or nurtured now became priorities. But twenty years had been wasted and the magnitude of what needed to be done needed a new strategy and policy elite.

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