An Airfield Too Far, the Army's Search for a Runway
Abstract
The focus of current US Army aviation doctrine is as an attack asset to maneuver on the battlefield and 'kill' the enemy. The senior operational Army Aviator within a US Army Corps or Division is the Combat Aviation Brigade Commander. His focus is killing tanks forward, not providing a runway for fixed wing aircraft in support of the Corps or Division in the rear of each sector. Army AirLand Battle doctrine has been proactive in taking the battle to the enemy without regard for air resupply requirements. At present, the US Army does not have a doctrinally directed requirement for the establishment, operation, and command and control of tactical airfields and runways within the corps area. This is a deficiency that has implications for the Air Force C-17s and for all tactical intratheater airlift in support of joint operations. To fight, the US Army depends on too many for too much--and the other services can't help if they can't get there. The current turbulence in doctrine, requirements, capabilities, technology, and force size provides a unique opportunity to examine Army Aviation's attitude and thus the Army's need for the capabilities of the 'runway.'
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA241034
Entities
People
- Kent V. Hufford
Organizations
- Air War College