A Campaign in the Air
Abstract
Current theory of combat force employment states that air is not a medium for the conduct of a campaign because it is not capable of accomplishing national strategic objectives in the absence of either land or maritime forces. NATO's Operation ALLIED FORCE in 1999 is presented as a counter argument to this theoretical construct. It accomplished national strategic objectives, and the label air campaign is an appropriate term to describe not only the level of objective but the preponderance of force used in the conflict. Other terms either downplay the complexity and level of effort, or fail to accurately describe the event. Beyond the terminology, there are certain conditions that might make an air campaign alone a realistic course of action in the future. Proper consideration of the type of strategic objective, geography, and form of government could aid in the coercion of an adversary without the traditional cost in blood and treasure associated with a ground or maritime campaigns.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422812
Entities
People
- Phillip T. Hamilton
Organizations
- Naval War College