Brad Elward

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.