Close Air Support for the Field Army
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the doctrine for providing close air support to the field army in the North African, Mediterranean, and European Theaters of Operations during World War II. This study attempts to show the forces and events which affected the formation of this doctrine of close air support. The study covers three broad periods: (1) the early developmental period, (2) the first test of doctrine in Africa, and (3) the period after the radical change in doctrine which took place in Africa. The basis of air-ground cooperation for the operations in Africa was found in FM 31-35. The manual prescribed that ground force commanders would control aviation assigned to provide close support to the ground unit. The failure of the early air effort in Africa was not due to the system of ground control of supporting air. It was due to the logistical and political problems as well as Air Corps doctrine and practices which prevented the full application of the Allied air effort. The subsequent declaration of independence contained in FM 100-20 prevented effective utilization of air power in the land battle. It was not until air commanders took a greater interest in the needs for close air support and loosened their control over air missions that an effective system was developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 1964
- Accession Number
- ADA365797
Entities
People
- Francis A. Ianni
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College