Close Air Support for the Future
Abstract
This thesis investigates the question: Will Close Air Support (CAS) in the year 2000 be as close as CAS today? Today's CAS is dependent upon the ground commander's perception of the situation, and focuses primarily on forces beyond the commander's direct fire weapons' range, but if the situation dictates, CAS is employed right next to his forces. The thesis discusses the possible effects doctrinal and technological changes will have on CAS employment. Doctrinal changes include: increased focus on Joint operations, smaller forces on a less linear battlefield, changing Air Force doctrine and force structure, changing Army doctrine. Technological changes include: fratricide reduction, digital communications, advanced navigation systems, target acquisition, weapons delivery improvements, and night fighting enhancements. These changes will take place while the Air Force is transitioning from the A-10 to the F-16 as the primary CAS aircraft. The conclusions are: (1) Doctrinally CAS will continue to be important. (2) Lighter, more maneuverable forces will require closer and more accurate CAS than today. (3) Technological advances will make closer and more accurate CAS available. (4) Less CAS will be employed, because fewer assets will be available, and the Joint Commander will focus most of his assets on higher payoff interdiction targets. Close air support, Fire support coordination line, Air interdiction, Battlefield air interdiction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255138
Entities
People
- Steven E. Bell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College