The Future of Airborne Reconnaissance
Abstract
Airborne reconnaissance has progressed rapidly, hand in hand with technology. However, current investments and plans fall short of fulfilling the future role of aerial reconnaissance in supporting the United States' national security and the intelligence requirements of the warfighter. Historical deficiencies and current shortfalls, including an inadequate force structure (lack of commonality among service platforms, sensors, and ground stations), poor dissemination architectures, and a disjointed tasking process require changes in the four pillars that embody airborne reconnaissance: equipment, doctrine, organization, and training. This paper briefly explores the history of airborne reconnaissance and how it migrated to an inadequate mix of stovepipe systems; reviews the shortfalls and deficiencies associated with reconnaissance operations in Desert Shield and Desert Storm; discusses current reconnaissance system inadequacies; argues the impact and/or benefits of the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO) in alleviating these shortcomings; and finally, discusses the disjointed tasking process within the joint force organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA529516
Entities
People
- Keith E. Gentile
Organizations
- Marine Corps University