Linebacker II: A Strategic and Tactical Case Study
Abstract
Linebacker II was the name given to the strategic bombing campaign aimed at the will and war fighting capability of the North Vietnamese. This case study can be used to examine the applicability of strategic bombing doctrine, and the importance of creative tactical employment for strategic airpower. In December, 1972, President Nixon was confronted by an intransigent enemy and a Congress that was ready to end the war. Strategic bombing doctrine would once again be tested as a strategy for achieving the President's political objectives. The President used B-52s in a massive bombing operation intended to force North Vietnam back to the bargaining table, and obtain what he described as an honorable end to the war. The tactical employment of B-52s during the initial phase of Linebacker II was tightly controlled by HQ SAC, and was flawed with predictability and inflexibility. After three days, B-52 losses were deemed unacceptable and threatened the operation. A change to decentralize control of mission preparation and tactics for the bomber force resulted in improved effectiveness and dramatically reduced losses. Tactical employment of strategic bombers should be considered, at least in conventional campaigns, part of mission execution, and thus decentralized. Future planners can learn from the problem that resulted from over-centralization of strategic airpower in the context of 11 days in December 1972.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA241219
Entities
People
- Leonard D. Teixeira
Organizations
- Air War College