CADRE Quick-Look: Perspective: Airpower in Counterinsurgency Operations
Abstract
Mythology from the U.S. experience in the Vietnam War holds that air power and the U.S. military do not perform well against insurgencies. History shows, however, that when airmen apply air power in the right way and in the right context, it can contribute significantly to achieving counterinsurgency campaign objectives. Moreover, armed with an understanding of how U.S. air power has performed effectively in these types of wars in the past, contemporary air power planners can become more effective in current operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This CADRE Quick-Look presents a number of observations on the use of air power in counterinsurgencies. Air forces can contribute significantly to counterinsurgency campaigns. Host government stability and legitimacy are the factors that will determine success in this type of war. Air power should contribute significantly to this aspect of the campaign by providing constructive effects through information operations, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and other forms of humanitarian assistance. The level of effort shouldered by indigenous government forces, especially air forces, provides a conspicuous indicator of how well the counterinsurgency is progressing. If the host government cannot operate its own air force, it probably cannot blunt the psychological assault launched by the insurgents. Air power provides ISR capabilities that can help locate, identify, and track insurgent forces -- capabilities that reside in no other service component. As long as the insurgents do not make the mistake of massing forces to confront friendly ground forces, lethal air attacks will probably bolster the insurgents' cause. Air and space platforms must be tailored to match the unconventional and small scale of the counterinsurgency effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA477434
Entities
People
- Anthony C. Cain
Organizations
- Air University