The CAS Distribution Process. Should the Corps Commander have Direct Command of USAF Assets?
Abstract
This monograph examines the a question: Should the CAS distribution process, as practiced under the ATO system be modified to task organize distributed USAF assets into the corps organization for a definite period of time or task? It proposes a doctrinal shift in the use of airpower to support corps operations. This monograph explains the current and proposed CAS distribution systems. Section One defines the Air Force and Army doctrine for apportioning air assets, and explains the doctrinal CAS distribution processes for corps-level operations. Section Two evaluates the current CAS distribution system. It begins with an analysis of CAS during the Gulf War, and then evaluates the CAS system with three of the Army doctrinal tenets as criteria: namely, agility, synchronization, and initiative. The analysis concludes with a review of the Marine Corps TACAIR philosophy and organization. Section Three proposes a doctrinal modification that task organizes Air Force units directly to the corps. Section Four analyzes this modified system based on Air Force, Army and Marine doctrine. This section uses the same factors from Section Two to appraise the modified CAS system. Finally, the monograph concludes by resolving the initial question.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA294346
Entities
People
- Gary R. Schamburg
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College