Airpower in U.S. Light Combat Operations
Abstract
Light operations are those undertaken by light or dismounted infantry against similarly armed opponents in close, rough, or urban terrain. On the smaller side, Grenada and Panama would be considered light operations; Bosnia and Vietnam would be on the larger side. The United States engages in light operations much more frequently than heavy ones like Operation Desert Storm. Yet most of the qualitative improvements in conventional forces developed since World War II, and especially since the mid 1970s, have benefited heavy forces more than light. Examples include precision guided munitions; advanced command and control; reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition; and stealth. Indeed, in many ways, light operations are conducted today as they were 50 years ago-air mobility and night vision devices are notable exceptions to this generalization. Heavy operations resemble their World War II predecessors less and less.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283815
Entities
People
- Daniel P. Raymer
- Kenneth B. Watman
Organizations
- RAND Corporation