AWPD-42 to Instant Thunder: Consistent, Evolutionary Thought or Revolutionary Change

Abstract

This study analyzes the air war plans in World War II and the Persian Gulf War. The goal of this study is to ascertain whether there is a continuity of thought reflected in American air planning over the years. This study assesses Air War Plans Division-1/42 and Instant Thunder as to their importance to contemporary airpower theory. This study concludes that there is a continuity of thought reflected in major air plans, particularly in the issues of strategic bombing, precision attack, and command and control. This study also evaluates Korea and Vietnam as a bridge between World War II and Operation Desert Storm and evaluates the implications of this demonstrated continuity of thought on current and future Air Force doctrine and strategy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA424862

Entities

People

  • James R. Cody

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Bombing
  • Combat Areas
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Instructors
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • Vietnam War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control