Back to the Future: Airpower in Future Conflict
Abstract
Putting soldiers in the mud in enemy territory is not requisite to winning war. Not since the Spanish-American War has the US conquered and then retained enemy territory gained. The US always withdraws at the conclusion of hostilities, usually quickly -- sometimes belatedly. That is the nature of the culture. Americans covet no other lands and rush to get their fighting soldiers home as soon as possible. What is important is protecting American interests around the globe and quickly applying military force -- that is, winning war -- when needed. Conquering and holding land to '...defend it, protect it, and keep it for civilization...' is of little value to the American public or political leaders. Accepting Fehrenbach's assertions assumes the US discounts the dimension of warfare, airpower, as being ineffective. This paper proposes that future warfare is winnable without 'putting soldiers in the mud' in enemy territory, that is, airpower is an essential element in warfighting in the Post Cold War era.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA281142
Entities
People
- Stanley J. Sutterfield
Organizations
- Air War College