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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book concerns the history of a technology, namely the American mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Many people representing avenues within my life contributed to its writing. First, I thank my family. Luke, Sarah, and Marnie supported my intellectual passions for history, technology, and innovation. I love you and thank you.

For eight years while an associate professor at the Air Force Academy (and now at Colorado Technical University), I studied the context, theory, and application of military power. Many colleagues have contributed ideas to this book, and I will mention four. Professor James R. W. Titus was instrumental in my appointment. He convinced the academy to fund my doctoral studies, and he has provided me with years of mentorship and friendship. Professor John Farquhar reviewed many chapters. Lt. Col. (retired) Tom Allison’s mental clarity and expansive intellect linked ideas in ways I had never considered. Col. (Professor) Ed Westermann, now at Texas A&M University, introduced me to the study of innovation, and we cotaught my first course on military innovation. Thank you.

Many colleagues within the operational Air Force recommended Auburn University’s history of technology program. They counseled wisely, particularly Col. (Dr.) David Arnold and Col. (retired) Mike Grieco. Colonel Arnold, a space historian, offered a plan to succeed in a doctoral program that helped immensely. He is now an associate professor at the National War College. Colonel Grieco knows more about the workings of ICBMs than anyone else I know, and he has taught me about them for over a quarter-century. He explains arcane technical details effortlessly. On a 2001 midsummer night, I destroyed one of his rockets (a Peacekeeper ICBM) following an in-flight staging anomaly. Fortunately, he forgave me. Thank you.

I tell new faculty members that students remember their best and worst professors. They forget the mundane. I remember many wonderful educators from Auburn University’s history department. Professors William F. Trimble, Guy V. Beckwith, and James R. Hansen guided my initial researches and taught me their craft. The collections staff at the nearby Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) deserves recognition. Mr. Archangelo “Archie” DiFante is a dedicated public servant who declassified the documents I needed. He provided me with thousands of pages of declassified sources. Thank you. My editor, Gary Thompson, and the outstanding team representing the Naval Institute Press, including Pelham Boyer and Marlena Montagna, embody the Navy’s spirit of intellectual debate and innovation. Thank you for your dedication and artisanship. Lastly, I thank the individuals who read manuscript versions, including the book’s anonymous reviewers, for their courteous, professional, and relevant critiques.