Design at the Edge of the World: The Birth of American Air Intelligence in the China, Burma, India, and the Pacific Theaters during World War II
Abstract
At the start of World War II, American air intelligence was immature and the organization and design of intelligence often differed significantly between each numbered Air Force, particularly in the China, Burma, India and Pacific theaters. This paper examines the leadership, resources and organization of air intelligence in Fifth, Tenth and Fourteenth Air Force. In each numbered Air Force, a confluence of factors reveals the development of principles for air intelligence which remains relevant to this day. The successes of Fifth and Fourteenth Air Force, and later Tenth Air Force correlate with an emphasis established by leaders, to establish a timely flow of intelligence, primarily through the integration of intelligence activities at the forward edge of air operations. By 1945, each of the three numbered Air Force developed effective methods for collecting and utilizing intelligence in support of air operations. The ingenuity and resourcefulness of key Airmen developed from meager beginnings, these organizations which overcame severe resource constraints to produce the intelligence to help defeat the Japanese. This study provides a historical analysis of the often-forgotten men and organizations who shaped air operations in the China, Burma, India and Pacific theaters. Further, it provides inspiration and lessons for leaders seeking to develop organizations which can thrive under resource constraints in unfamiliar or unanticipated circumstances.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1039257
Entities
People
- Kyle Bressette
Organizations
- School of Advanced Air and Space Studies