Air Strikes and COIN in Operation Enduring Freedom

Abstract

The recent limitation of the use of air strikes in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) has highlighted a dilemma facing the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Commander. He demands that his forces assume greater risk by restricting the use of air strikes, or he risks mission failure by losing the support of the Afghanistan people as a result of collateral damage. Since OEF is ongoing, analysis of another counterinsurgency in which air strikes have played a large role could determine whether the ISAF Commander's decision is correct. This paper examines the parallels between OEF and Vietnam to highlight the dilemma the ISAF Commander faces as he places restrictions on air strikes, a powerful combat multiplier. The paper explores the shortcomings of the use of air strikes in Vietnam and draws the conclusion that the commander's guidance in OEF is focused on winning the support of the people. In summary, the more the Afghan people support ISAF and the Afghanistan government, the closer the Taliban are to losing their support and their foothold in Afghanistan.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2010
Accession Number
ADA525132

Entities

People

  • Damien E. Mason

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan
  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Collateral Damage
  • Counterinsurgency
  • Governments
  • International Security
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • New York
  • United States
  • United States Central Command
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.