Dark Clouds and Deadly Skies: Assessing the Strategic Effectiveness of Using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Outside of Designated Combat Zones
Abstract
With major combat operations complete in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States continues to face resilient terrorist threats from violent extremist networks across the globe. These threats are not limited to designated combat zones and are not projected to diminish in the near future. As a response, the United States has adopted the tactic of targeted strikes abroad to disrupt and degrade extremist networks and deny safe haven to those who plot against the United States or its allies. The number of strikes and geographic locations where these events occur are increasing and often take place in areas not designated as combat zones. One of the primary tactics used to carry out strikes against violent extremist networks is the employment of armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The United States reliance on RPAs has received international criticism and is commonly cited as a recruitment tool for the very networks the United States is trying to disrupt and degrade. With the diffusion and spread of religious extremism since the events of 11 September 2001 and the increased number of violent extremist networks, is this tactic of RPA strikes having the desired strategic effect? In the current confrontation with violent extremism, is the United States working towards a desired ends or inadvertently contributing to a larger problem? Are tactical actions nested within a strategic framework that can foster success?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1015812
Entities
People
- Michael S. Doherty
Organizations
- Air University