Close Air Support: Battle in the Fourth Dimension
Abstract
Few subjects concerning joint warfare evoke as much emotion as does Close Air Support (CAS). Although CAS was born at the Battle of Cambrai, in November, 1917, it is a mission which has never matured to the satisfaction of many warriors. Whether one is viewing the subject from the perspective of the ground forces (the supported) or the air forces (the supporters), there are recurring threads of dissatisfaction which mar the tapestry of joint warfighting. Even today, when 'jointness' is viewed as essential to success in military operations, the issues inherent in CAS are being resurrected and are taking on increased significance in light of reducing budgets and force structure. This paper will revisit many of the close air support issues, their geneses, their evolutions, their current status; and will reach some reasoned conclusions and recommendations. I have attempted to base these on historical lessons-learned and logic. However, let me 'dispassonately' proclaim at the outset that close air support has been shortchanged over the years, we don't have the correct assets (nor or we looking to develop the correct ones) and our doctrine is fundamentally flawed. (sdw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA223250
Entities
People
- Edward H. Littlejohn Iii
Organizations
- United States Army War College