I think it's fantastic book and have learned so much. Wish I would have read it when I first started testing and working for the government. I think every military test officer should read this.
I divide this book into three sections. I'm a history buff and especially like aviation history which is why I read it, but there is so much more.
Section 1: Fighter pilot Boyd. He became the top dog fighter and was undefeated. He could win any air battle in less than 40 seconds. He wrote a book on fighter tactics that changed not only the US, but the world.
Section 2. Engineer Boyd. He goes back to school. Develops the mathematical models for Energy-Maneuver. It revolutionizes aircraft design and is used to develop the F-15, F-16, F-18 and the A-10.
Section 3. Academic Boyd. Boyd reads hundreds of history books on war and develops new tactics and ways of thinking about battle. Out of this comes his famous OODA Loop, Observe-Orient-Decide-Act. For these efforts, history will be rank him up there with Sun Tzu and Von Clausewitz. In the 1980s, he and a small cadre of Pentagon reformers use these techniques to fight the Pentagon generals/contractors to reform acquisition. This section explains acquisition dynamics, how DOT&E was started, how IDA (Institute of Defense Analysis) was started. Lots of good information on acquisition strategic thought, reporting, presentations, playing a long game.
Boyd was his own worst enemy. He was insecure, narcissistic, and volatile. He also models how not to interact with decision makers.
Hope you get a chance to read this.
Enjoy,
Neil
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