The Debate is Over: Close Air Support in Korea and Vietnam
Abstract
The effectiveness of Marine Corps tactical aviation lies in Marine Corps doctrine; consequently, the Marine Corps provided the most effective close air support possible during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During Korea and Vietnam, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps called on Marine Corps aviation and the U.S. Air Force to deliver close air support. The two services held divergent views on the close air support mission. The Air Force viewed close air support as a contingency, whereas Marine aviation made close air support its primary mission. Therefore, divergent perspectives affected service doctrine and planning for close air support. Due to the integration of air and ground elements in Marine doctrine and practice, Marine aviation proved itself more effective in Korea and Vietnam. The Marine Corps provided the most effective close air support due to training, aircraft, and decentralized command and control. Air Force tactical aviation took a backseat to strategic nuclear doctrine. The Air Force lacked integration with the Army and close air support suffered due to the disconnected relationship.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 03, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA601237
Entities
People
- Jeremy W. Siegel
Organizations
- Marine Corps University