Counterair Operations in the Deep Attack: An Analysis of Feasibility
Abstract
Recent conflicts have provided valuable glimpses at the lethality of the modern battlefield and the vulnerability of ground troops to air attack. The 1973 Yom Kippur War, the 1982 Lebanese War in the Bekaa Valley and the Falklands War demonstrated the importance of the air defense counter air defense battle to force protection. The presence or absence of air defense assets at the critical time and place was an important, if not decisive factor in the outcome of each of these conflicts. This study focuses on counterair operations in the deep battle, emphasizing the influence of time and space on the protection provided by the corps HAWK battalion. The importance of complementary and synergistic Army and Air Force contributions to the overall counterair effort is presented. Also briefly discussed is the importance of degrading and disrupting the enemy's ability to employ and positively control his close air support assets. A graphic time and distance model is proposed as a means of analysis to show the influence of time and space on the mobility and coverage of the corps HAWK battalion. Analysis of time and space factors provides observations of consequence to the ground force commander how fast a formation can move and remain within its air defense umbrella, the composition of lead elements of march columns, and the depth to which an attack can penetrate. The conclusion of this paper points to a weakness in the doctrinal guidance offered for employment of the HAWK system in offensive operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA210964
Entities
People
- Richard L. Mccabe
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College