Airlift and Access in the Indo-Pacific
Abstract
The presence of five nuclear powers, one third of the world s trade, and many crossnational threats to security--among other complex and growing tensions--draw the US into the Indo-Pacific. The US needs physical access to the Indo-Pacific in order to influence the actions of regional states if it is to continue to lead the international order. In response to the presidential directive to pivot attention towards Asia, tensions within the Indian and Pacific Oceans led the development of AirSea Battle the military plan for engagement in Asia. Airpower is the key component of the AirSea Battle concept relying on kinetic force for access. Concerns over the strategic language and force employment of AirSea Battle have placed relationships within the Indo-Pacific on an unsure footing. Compellence, incentive, and cooperation are three basic methods of gaining access in the Indo-Pacific. The major concepts from three access cases studies also reveal unique characteristics within each access method. Traditionally, airlift serves a supporting role to kinetic force either in the facilitation of force deployments or in fulfilling a military operation s costly logistic requirements. Airlift can also be used proactively to shape and influence regional geopolitical environments with reduced costs and therefore has importance beyond the logistic and support paradigm. Airlift is currently gaining access to strategically significant Indo-Pacific states. Leveraging nonkinetic airpower capabilities to gain access and exert US influence represent first-option alternatives. If AirSea Battle s use of kinetic force represents one method of access, then the intent of this thesis is to demonstrate that airlift presents alternatives supporting US national security interests. The US should leverage its asymmetric airlift capabilities to gain access and shape relationships in lieu of kinetic airpower.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA621192
Entities
People
- Zachary G. Hall
Organizations
- Air University