McNair Paper Number 50, About the Author, August 1996

Dr. Alan L. Gropman was appointed Chairman of the Department of Grand Strategy at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University in July 1996. From 1991 to 1996 he was a professor of history at the Industrial College.

In 1986, Dr. Gropman retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel after 27 years commissioned service. During his career he earned, among other awards, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

From 1986 to 1991 he was a Senior Principal Analyst and Program Manager for the SYSCON Corporation in Washington, DC, directing projects for the Joint Staff and the Air Staff. He was also an adjunct professor at the National War College.

Dr. Gropman earned a B.A. from Boston University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Tufts University. He is the author of two books, five anthology chapters, and more than 200 book reviews, articles, and op-ed essays. Dr. Gropman is also the book review editor for Air Power History and is a member of the editorial board for Joint Force Quarterly.