TOPGUN Turns 50
Last updated 04:59 PM EDT • Read time: 2m
An Engine of Innovation
We chose to dedicate a large section of this issue to celebrate the creation of the Navy Fighter Weapons School in 1969 and its successes over the past half century. But this is not a glorification of the Hollywood version of TOPGUN; rather it is an opportunity for current and former TOPGUN staff members to tell a story of innovation and overcoming challenges through hard work and dedication.
When Navy fighter aircraft failed to meet combat expectations in the skies over Vietnam from 1965 to 1968, an official inquiry (known as the Ault Report) recommended creating an advanced fighter weapons school at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego. A lieutenant commander and eight junior officers set up an office and classroom in an abandoned trailer, designed a course, and started teaching fighter aircrews to be aggressive, expert dog-fighters. Their impact was immediate and dramatic—by 1972 the Navy’s kill ratio against the Vietnam People’s Air Force had improved five-fold.
In the years since, TOPGUN has been an innovation engine, creating tactics, teaching expertise, standardizing training, and driving technology and weapons requirements for the Navy fighter and strike-fighter communities. More recently, TOPGUN has been the model for other warfare communities as they built advanced school houses and developed expert cadres of weapons tactics instructors to improve their own lethality and effectiveness.
TOPGUN’s history and lessons are rich and meaningful. Well done to the 50 years of “patch wearers,” and sincere thanks to the five authors who brought us their insights this month.
Is It Déjà vu All Over Again: The 2012 Report on Global Zero
By Peter Huessy • RealClearDefense
As Private Investment Pours Into Defense, the Clock Is Ticking
By Elaine McCusker • RealClearDefense
The First Test of Peace Lies in Ukraine's Borderlands
By Dennis T. Cosgrove • RealClearDefense
The VFW’s Gambling Addiction Victimizes Veterans
By Jack Yoest • RealClearDefense
Superintelligence Exposes a Gap in the Law of Delegated Authority
By Sue Ghosh Stricklett • RealClearDefense
When Your Navy is too Small, the Bill Comes Due Bigly
By CDR Salamander
Quo Vadis MCU?
By Marine Corps Compass Points
When the Network Goes Dark, Who Controls the Battlefield?
By Jonathan K. Corrado • RealClearDefense
Air Force Should Buy 250 Blended-Wing Tankers, as 2027 Demo Looms
By A&SF Mag.
Long Deployments to Be Navy Standard For Next Couple Years
By Mongilio, USNI News