Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War Paperback – May 10, 2004

Comment

RichnWen

No words can describe

September 16, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

As a former Marine and current federal government employee of almost two decades the words "do you want to be someone or do something" has never been more relevant. The careerism at all levels is rampant with many choosing to do the easy thing as opposed to the right thing. Sadly, many do not even know what the right thing to do is. We need you Boyd now more than ever.

4 people found this helpful

This book will give you great insights, MUST READ!!!!!

Comment

Av8tor USAF Yukon, OK

February 23, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A great book!!!! A must read if you are interested in how the military industrial complex works. It tells the truth about how corrupt the procurement process is and how the Generals are in the pocket of the big defense companies. If you never understood why the DOD has constant cost overruns on its projects this book will clear it up for you. Additionally, a little known fact, John Boyd developed the battle plan for the Gulf War using his OODA Loop strategy. Norman Schwarzkopf was however, happy to take the credit after such a successful campaign.

Read the book and find out how the F-16 and A-10 were born. Fascinating.

3 people found this helpful

If you have any interest in the work of John Boyd, then this is your book

Comment

Pinky

June 11, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

If you have any interest in the work of John Boyd, then this is your book. I was initially drawn to him from his work on the OODA loop, but I learned so much more from this book. His family history was touched on without being overwhelming, the book really focused on the amazing work he did while in the Air Force.

This book somehow captures the energy of this amazing man, I was sucked in could not put it down.

One person found this helpful

15 year late glowing review

Comment

el jefe

August 2, 2017

Verified Purchase

As a boy I watched the F-16 develop. When I learned John R. Boyd, a Korean War fighter pilot genius was the driving influence on the design objectives of the F-16. And knowing the prototype YF-16 was a wild success 40 years ago and in recent history waxed a F-35 in 6 of 6 dogfights where both planes were at the disadvantage at the start for 3 engagements. Or as Boyd would say; "I housed him". I had to read it.

The story is so well written I found it very entertaining. But I am an aircraft nerd and I easily got the high amount of jargon. That aside, learning of Boyd's contributions to the intellectual world of aircraft maneuverability and critical decision making, the latter being profound at many levels. Was enlightening and due to Boyd's outrageous character, fun to read.

Fascinating and disgusting

Comment

glenn robinson

August 19, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

You have read reviews that said "I couldn't put it down!" Well, here's one I HAD to put down a couple of times. It has the ring of awful truth. As I read, there were enough points of contact with events I remember that I couldn't dismiss it as fabrication. So we have a gifted but deeply flawed pilot and tactician that goes on to develop energy maneuver theory and some good airplanes and the OODA loop. Good for him (and for us). But we are left with a picture of the Pentagon as the lair of an uncontrollable military-industrial-congressional monster beyond the worst peacenik nightmare. Bad for us. Read this - it is good for you to know these things.

One person found this helpful

Outstanding and appalling

Comment

William C. E.

November 23, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Outstanding - This is a must read! Boyd introduces the dynamic of challenging a system to be better. At times, it is laugh-out-loud funny. At times, it is profoundly sad to read about his family relationship. Nevertheless, Boyd introduces a thought process for challenging the status quo, and of the promised, but not delivered that applies well beyond the war-related arena.
Appalling - That the US Military (sans the Marines) continues to starve this type of thought and initiative - the iconic demonstration of impotent egoism.

One person found this helpful

Wow, this book will open your eyes. What an amazing individual and the contributions to modern air power and so much more. The OODA Loop is the reason I read the book.Read more

Comment

Randy

Most recent customer reviews

Amazon Customer

OODA Loop

Published 6 days ago

Zon Fan

A page turner

Great book. Only halfway through and a great read. Thankfully our country had this guy on our side.

Published 9 days ago

sjl

Great book

Great historical book. Need more with his courage and fortitude.

Published 21 days ago

Amazon Customer

What an awesome book

Boyde was an awesome guy and he deserves more recognition that he has received.

Published 22 days ago

David S. Davenport Sr.

Five Stars

A terrific read.

Published 27 days ago

Stu Lloyd

My new hero!

Why is this not already a big hit series on Netflix??? Was tempted to pick up my pen and write the screen play.Read more

Published 1 month ago

Bryan

Brilliant and Inspiring

The books was an excellent read and gave an outsider looking in the perfect snapshot of this legend. I would recommend this books to others.Read more

... as you can get into the life of America's great unknown grand strategist

eMac

About as comprehensive a look as you can get into the life of America's great unknown grand strategist.Read more

Great book on a great American

Chris Nielsen

It is difficult to find much source material from boyd. This book provides much context for boys contributions. Great read.

A thought provoking, must read! Boyd was a genius, a flawed human, but above all a patriot.

B.C.

The saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” applies here, literally and figuratively. Definitely profane, John Boyd, despite his insecurities and overcompensating bravado,...Read more