Ground Maneuver and Air Interdiction

Warfare is an ever evolving mixture of combinations: attack and defense, symmetry and asymmetry, maneuver and firepower, mass and economy of force, etc. True operational art manifests itself when the right balance of these combinations is applied to war fighting. This paper analyzes one such combination; ground maneuver and air interdiction. Indeed, this is a treatise on the synchronization of land power and air power, and how these two vital elements can better contribute to a successful operational campaign. The fundamental thesis is that the Joint Force Commander (JFC) must do more than merely balance this combination as separate entities, he must employ them as coequals in mutually complementary operations.


The synergistic relationship between ground maneuver and air interdiction is explored and supporting historical precedents discussed. Next, Army, Air Force and joint doctrine is analyzed to determine the prevailing views on the subject. Finally, the author makes recommendations which enhance the orchestration of ground maneuver and air interdiction in achieving the JFC's objectives.