Augustine's Laws, Sixth Edition

As a retired engineer, I have experienced many of the situations discribed both as an engineer and as a manager. Still chuckling.

I have not completed the book yet but it has been a good read so far. The book provides a look into the world of large corporate thought processes. I have an MBA and am interested in what makes corporations operate the way they do.

I first ran into this book when I worked as an engineer at Martin Marietta. Norm Augustine's parable of the Dadulus paper airplane company. Now I came across it several years later while working at Lockheed Martin. It is a hilarious parable of the military industrial complex. My favorite quote is Law Number XVI. In the year 2054, the entire defense budget will purchase just one aircraft. This aircraft will have to be shared by the Air Force and Navy 3 1/2 days each per week except for the leap year, when it will be made available to the Marines for the extra day.

I read one of the early editions years ago and laughed and laughed. I bought this one and did not realize that it was a major rewrite of the classic. It's OK, but not laugh-out-loud.

This is a great tongue in cheek look at the aerospace and defense industry. Anyone that has spent even a few months supporting the DoD, large contractors, and aerospace companies will appreciate this book. Each chapter has a law and is written around explaining that law. While it is humorous it is also a little scary how accurate it is. This is one of my favorite books and I quote it often!

I had the original volume and loaned it to never see it again. I bought this updated version and re-read it. Having spend 30 years in Defense acquisition I both cry and laugh how on point the book still is after all of the Better Buying Power" and other initiatives which have done little to improve the situation.

Must read for the new SECDEF and all who will serve in the DoD under the Trump Administration as well as all Members and PSMs on the HASC, SADC, HAC-D, and SAC-D

Norm Augustine is fabled defense industry leader and ,a leader in many areas such as STEM education and space policy. He is a keen observer of government and corporate life. His fun critiques are full of insights. A great read.S