

FPP141 - TOPGUN the Legacy (part 1)
May 10, 2022
Brad Elward, a former attorney and college professor, spent years interviewing over 400 TOPGUN graduates for his definitive book on the Navy Fighter Weapons School. In this discussion, he reveals the fascinating origins of TOPGUN in the late 1960s and its evolution in the 1970s, highlighting its impact on naval aviation tactics. Elward shares insights into the rigorous training and competitive culture that transformed air combat effectiveness, alongside humorous anecdotes that underscore the importance of connections within the military community.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
From Law to Legacy: The Top Gun Journey
02:12 • 8min
Creating a Literary Sequel: The Journey of Commitment and Research
10:21 • 2min
Researching the Top Gun Legacy
12:20 • 11min
Unexpected Connections Amidst a Tornado
23:22 • 2min
The Origins and Evolution of Top Gun
25:23 • 32min
The Evolution of Top Gun in the 1970s
57:27 • 14min