Lightning Rod

This book traces the history of the office of the Chief Scientist of the Air Force over its 50 years, from its roots to the present, including remembrances from those who filled the position. It illuminates many changes that have occurred over those years as the country moved from peace to war and back again, as national security demands on the Air Force evolved, and as reorganizations and power shifts have taken place within the service and the Department of Defense. It also shows that the primary purpose of the office, to provide objective and timely advice to Air Force senior leadership on science and technology, has remained constant throughout.