Operational Lessons from the Dawn of Air Power
Abstract
This monograph examines the development of air combat employment concepts during World War I. From austere beginnings, air power developed rapidly through the four years of war, evolving from a support service for tactical ground units to a cohesive combat force capable of independent action. Literature on World War I aviation focuses either on tactical aspects of the war, especially dramatic accounts of the aces, or the roots of strategic bombing concepts, championed in the 1920s. Often overlooked is the operational level of war, where air and ground forces synchronize their actions to accomplish a theater commander's objectives. The lessons of air power at the operational level of war concern two primary missions: air control and interdiction. Combat experiences in World War I demonstrated these missions were not effective when organized and commanded by tactical ground units; rather, theater command and control was required in order to establish the priorities required to achieve mass and unity of effort. Air power, Billy Mitchell, World War I, Air campaign, St. Mihiel, Aviation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274328
Entities
People
- W. B. Rember
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College