The Changing Eastern Winds: Dispersal in the Asia Pacific
Abstract
At the epic battle of Red Cliff in AD 208, Chinese strategist Kongming anticipated changing winds to defeat the concentrated forces of Cao Cao. In preparation for the preemptive attack, Kongming divulged, All our forces are in place and ready, what we require now is the easterly wind. Cao Cao did not anticipate the change of winds and fire borne vessels were launched at his massive fleet. The fleet was destroyed due to an inability to maneuver and Cao Caos overwhelming forces were defeated. Today, the Dong Feng (DF)-21D anti-ship ballistic missile may take its naming convention from the battle of Red Cliff. Dong Feng, or Eastern Wind, was the precondition of Kongming's strategy in defeating a superior naval force. Today, the potential to threaten US aircraft carriers and deploy MIRVs alters traditional geographic dispersal formulas of time and distance. US dependence on long-range strike to counter the DF-21D will necessitate a withdrawal from the region and perceptions of retrenchment. Finding the means to disperse and maneuver in place, within existing appropriations, is vital to preventing the reorientation of the status-quo in favor of China. Land-based aviation dispersal is a vital complement to mobile sea basing for maritime security in the Asia-Pacific. The FY 2014 East Asia and Pacific request to Congress marks the first budget request since the President articulated a rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region in November 2011. With FMF funds, the US is to support regional and bilateral programs to strengthen maritime security in cooperation with partners in the Asia-Pacific. Preparing the battlefield for geopolitical aviation dispersal provides deterrence capability while multiplying the combat effectiveness of partner nation airpower.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1019690
Entities
People
- Paul J. Morris
Organizations
- Air University