Evolution of the Air Force Composite Wing

Abstract

The Air Force is in the process of two major changes which will greatly impact the shape of the Air Force over the next decade. One of these changes is the reorganization of flying units into composite wings. These composite wings are highly potent combat organizations which stress the principle of unity of command by placing all the necessary forces to conduct one or more aerospace missions under one commander. The original concept of a composite wing is rooted in the history of the Air Force back to World War II. This paper examines the original doctrine and concepts for organizing a fighting force in World War II and then traces the evolution of this organization throughout World War II and up to the Gulf War. There are some striking similarities to today's composite wings in some of the units in World War II. The press of political problems during and after the war caused the Air Force to change to a highly specialized and complicated structure which was in place prior to the Gulf War. Composite wings proved their value in the Gulf War and are currently being organized on several Air Force Bases.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 27, 1992
Accession Number
ADA250916

Entities

People

  • Nathan R. Bard

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Bombing
  • Combat Areas
  • Combat Forces
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • Second World War
  • Tactical Air Support
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.

Technology Areas

  • Space