Excellence in Tactical Fighter Squadrons

The purpose of this thesis was to identify the attributes of excellence in tactical fighter squadrons and how that excellence is achieved. The research question was do the top performing tactical fighter squadrons share common attributes of excellence If so, what are those attributes The research followed a two part qualitative methodology. Part I consisted of interviews with 51 general officers and colonels currently assigned to key leadership positions in Tactical Air Command. Each officer was asked for his definition of an excellent tactical fighter squadron, and to identify squadrons he considers to be excellent. The research indicates that TACs senior officers focus on a range of qualitative issues. Chapters II to V focuses on these issues. All senior officers agreed that the level of performance among all squadrons in TAC is extremely high, nevertheless, there are some squadrons which are clearly outperforming the others. Based on their nominations, seven excellent squadrons were identified. This research identified certain common attributes among these four excellent squadrons. These are summarized in Chapters VII to XII, The Facets of Excellence. Findings indicate that some items of a non-quantifiable nature are extremely important in recognizing, achieving and maintaining excellence in the tactical fighter environment. Keywords Leadership Organizational Effectiveness.