It can be argued that General Henry "Hap" Arnold is the father of the United States Air Force. His experiences, wisdom and foresight are what made him, in every way, a visionary leader. Through his efforts to develop an aviation mindset during the early part of the 20th century, he shaped what is now the largest air force on the planet. I will begin by explaining his effective use of transformational leadership and the impact it has on the development of airpower. Then I will explain how his acceptance of diversity affected the war effort during World War II and the future of the United States Air Force. First, we need to know what transformed him into the leader he eventually became. Hap Arnold started his military career in a somewhat mediocre way. He attended the United States Military Academy graduating in 1907. While attending the academy he was not an outstanding student. Hap was so mediocre that he received a commission in the infantry, instead of the cavalry, which was highly coveted at that time, just as he is accepted for pilot training at the US Air Force Academy today. In 1911 he became one of the Army's first aviators and even won the Mackay Trophy for flying a biplane to an altitude of 6,540 feet, a record for the time (Glines, 2006). The early days of military aviation were not free from dangers. Hap nearly died when his plane began an uncontrolled spin. After that experience he stopped flying, stating: "I can't even look at a car in the air without feeling that some accident will happen to it (Glines, 2006)." Billy Mitchell brought him back to the world of flying in 1916. While stationed in San Diego he was able to overcome his fears and return to flying. He held several positions during his career; supply officer, Sq...... center of paper......emier's air power in the world proves it. He moved the Air Corps from a small fighting force to, upon its retirement, the pinnacle of its service. His actions were truly transformative. He also embraced diversity. By supporting women pilots she demonstrated the aspects of an inclusive environment. If it weren't for this average cadet we wouldn't be discussing the aspects that make a visionary today. Bibliography Daso, M.D. (1994, January 25). DTIC. Retrieved from DTIC: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a282164.pdfGlines, C. (2006, June 12). General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold: US Air Force architect. Retrieved from Historynet.com: http://www.historynet.com/general-henry-h-hap-arnold-architect-of-americas-air-force.htmParrish, D. B. (2008). Hap Arnold Biography. Retrieved from the National WASP Museum: http://waspmuseum.org/hap-arnold-biography/