Weapons of Choice

This study examines the difficulties involved in fielding technology appropriate to the mission. Using Graham Allison's models of decision-making as analytical lenses, the author shows how the "appropriate technology dilemma" challenged those responsible for interdicting the North Vietnamese Army along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in 1966-67. Known as the "propeller versus jet" controversy, there was a difference of opinion between the "unconventional" Air Commandos and the "conventional" Air Force as to how best to accomplish the interdiction mission. Three decades after the propeller versus jet controversy, Air Commandos still faced the appropriate technology dilemma. The 6th Special Operations Squadron is an aviation foreign internal defense advisory unit. Like their Vietnam era predecessors, the founders of the 6th Special Operations Squadron sought to field technology appropriate to their mission, while facing numerous challenges along the way. Air Force Special Operations Command faces the same dilemma as it searches for technology relevant for the future. Understanding the difficulties in fielding appropriate technology may shed some useful light for today's military commanders, strategists, and force structure planners as they plan for the future.