The Indispensible Weapon: Airpower in Emerging US Grand Strategy
Abstract
This study aims to examine the contemporary environment and propose offshore balancing as the most appropriate US national security strategy for the future. The author begins by evaluating the most pressing threats to US national security in terms of rising regional powers employing advanced military technology, debilitating national debt, and waning prestige on the international stage. From this analysis, the study illustrates the value of offshore balancing as compared to other strategic candidates as the most economical strategy to maintain Americas role as the securer of the global commons while minimizing economic and military overreach. As a form of offshore balancing, the author proposes containment via airpower-enabled exclusion zones (EZ) as a valuable policy option to maintain regional power balances rather than costly ground occupation. By examining recent EZ operations, the study distills the strategic value of EZs and illustrates the operational capabilities necessary to achieve EZ objectives. Finally, the author applies these lessons to a potential future threat employing modern military capabilities to illustrate the stunning gap between current force structure and capabilities and those required to accomplish EZ operations without putting a substantial percentage of US airpower force structure at risk. The author concludes airpower is the USs indispensable weapon for maintaining its position in the global order.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1019697
Entities
People
- James C. Mcfarland
Organizations
- Air University