What are the Lessons from Using Airpower in Counterinsurgencies?
Abstract
The United States Air Force has had monumental success in applying airpower against conventional enemies, but now finds itself in a different kind of fight, fighting a different kind of enemy-that of insurgents. As the United States (US) plans to leave Iraq by 31 December 2011 and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plans to leave Afghanistan by 2014, airpower leaders must consider past lessons from employment of airpower in counterinsurgencies. Specific actions worth studying include Great Britain and the Malayan Emergency, France and the Algerian War of Independence, US and the Vietnam War, Soviet Union and the invasion of Afghanistan, Israel and the war in Lebanon, US and its allies in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and US and its allies in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. All of these counterinsurgencies provide valuable lessons that, when applied to the entire spectrum of operations, will ensure airpower dominance well into the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543400
Entities
People
- Philip A. Garrant
Organizations
- United States Army War College