Expeditionary Airfield Concept - A Call for Modernization.

Abstract

An analysis of two aspects of the Marine Corps' expeditionary airfield concept--logistic support and airfield survival suggests that existing procedures are extremely vulnerable vis-a-vis the modern threat. Threat capability is steadily growing as a result of the development of accurate, long range, stand-off delivery systems, capable of inflicting severe damage to expeditionary facilities. Existing methods of establishing airfields ashore are based on operational concepts developed in the Pacific during World War II, when air supremacy was, in most cases, the norm. Refinement of the concept, subsequent to the conclusion of World War II, has not reflected a modification of the basis assumption of air supremacy. Tactical aviation, an essential ingredient in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) ashore, may be, in the final analysis, dependent of the support and survival of the expeditionary airfield. An option that alleviates existing logistical shortfalls is addressed. Survival shortfalls are identified for future resolution. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 23, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180154

Entities

People

  • James E. Hatch

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Airframes
  • Amphibious Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Employment
  • Engineering
  • Landing Fields
  • Materials
  • Military Organizations
  • Munitions
  • Second World War
  • Security
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Systems

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.