Air Support for Airland Battle

This monograph explores the question of whether current Air Force doctrine for the control of air support best supports AirLand Battle doctrine. In addressing the question this study looks at what is current Air Force doctrine for the control of air support and what are its historical antecedents. Next it identifies the operational aspects of AirLand Battle doctrine and its requirements for air support. The study then surfaces current issues concerning the control of air support and concludes with an assessment of current Air Force doctrine for the control of air support as it relates to AirLand Battle. This monograph concludes that though in the broadest terms Air Force doctrine and AirLand Battle doctrine are compatible they differ on some key points. Air Force doctrine takes a theater perspective, visualizing joint warfare as being made up of one air campaign and one land campaign. Airland Battle doctrine takes a lower level perspective and sees little segregation between the air and ground campaign. The two doctrines differ in emphasis in the areas of agility, synchronization, and unity of effort. These differences cause the two doctrines to be not as compatible as they should be. This study recommends that the Air Force and Army come to an agreement on their understanding of the battlefield end develop a common perspective. It suggests that doctrine and procedures for the control of air support should emphasize maneuver, agility, and flexibility.