The School of Hard Knocks: The Development of Close Air Support in Burma during the Second World War
Abstract
Effective close air support (CAS) requires genuine cooperation from both air and ground forces. Many US military planners take the existing CAS system for granted, but history reveals reliable CAS capabilities require unique capabilities, joint training, and cohesive doctrine to succeed in a dynamic combat environment. This analysis explores the roots of modern CAS in Burma during World War II. By contrasting the efforts of the American Volunteer Group in 1942 with the Eastern Air Command in 1943-1944, the Burma campaigns showcase key CAS challenges, and highlight the Eastern Air Command's innovative solutions. In particular, the case studies focus on four CAS evaluation criteria: responsiveness, effectiveness, integration, and doctrine. Finally, a comparison between the 1943-1944 campaign and current doctrine reveals how the lessons learned in Burma paved the way for modern CAS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1001644
Entities
People
- Patrick B. Lysaght
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies