Airpower Thru the Cold War

Master Overview  Vietnam I – A Chronology  Vietnam II – Uses of Airpower  Rebuilding the Air and Space Force

Rebuilding Overview  Cold War CFD Review  First Generation Weapon Systems  Second Generation Weapon Systems  Grenada – Urgent Fury  Libya – El Dorado Canyon  Panama – Just Cause

Review of CFD Model  Distinctive Capabilities: Air and space expertise, capabilities and technological know-how that produces superior military capabilities  Functions: Broad, fundamental and continuing activities of air and space power  Doctrine: fundamental principles which military forces guide their actions in support of national objectives

Review of Distinctive Capabilities  Air and Space Superiority : With it, joint forces can dominate enemy operations in all dimensions -- land, sea, air and space.  Global Attack: Because of technological advances, the Air Force can attack anywhere, anytime -- and do so quickly and with greater precision than ever before.  Rapid Global Mobility: Being able to respond quickly and decisively anywhere we're needed is key to maintaining rapid global mobility.  Precision Engagement: The essence lies in the ability to apply selective force against specific targets because the nature and variety of future contingencies demand both precise and reliable use of military power with minimal risk and collateral damage.  Information Superiority: The ability of joint force commanders to keep pace with information and incorporate it into a campaign plan is crucial.  Agile Combat Support: Deployment and sustainment are keys to successful operations and cannot be separated. Agile combat support applies to all forces, from those permanently based to contingency buildups to expeditionary forces.

CFD Model Time Period Distinctive Capabilities Functions (missions) Doctrinal Emphasis Berlin Airlift Korean Conflict Vietnam Rapid Global MobilityAirliftStrategic Airlift Theater Airlift Theater attack, Of military targets Air Superiority Precision Engagement Global Attack Rapid Global Mobility Agile Combat Support Counterland Close Air Support Interdiction Airlift Reconnaissance Search and Rescue Air Refueling Strategic Attack Strategic attack and nuclear deterrence prior to Vietnam Shift towards deterrence through strength and global attack Counterland Close Air Support Interdiction Airlift Reconnaissance Search and Rescue Air Refueling Strategic Attack Air and Space Superiority Precision Engagement Agile combat support

Review of Air and Space Functions Strategic Attack CounterairCounterspaceCounterlandCountersea Information Operations (IO) Combat Support Command & Control Airlift Air Refueling Spacelift Special Ops Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) Navigation and Positioning Weather Services

CFD Model Time Period Distinctive Capabilities Functions (missions) Doctrinal Emphasis Berlin Airlift Korean Conflict Vietnam Rapid Global MobilityAirliftStrategic Airlift Theater Airlift Theater attack, Of military targets Air Superiority Precision Engagement Global Attack Rapid Global Mobility Agile Combat Support Counterland Close Air Support Interdiction Airlift Reconnaissance Search and Rescue Air Refueling Strategic Attack Strategic attack and nuclear deterrence prior to Vietnam Shift towards deterrence through strength and global attack Counterland Close Air Support Interdiction Airlift Reconnaissance Search and Rescue Air Refueling Strategic Attack Air and Space Superiority Precision Engagement Agile combat support

Rebuilding for Space

Weapon Systems Two key fighters developed McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Close air support led to A-10 Thunderbolt Rockwell B-1B Lancer Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS) Peacekeeper Missile

Second Generation Weapons   Stealth aircraft   Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk   Northrop B-2 Spirit   New airlifter   McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster   Boeing/Grumman E-8 Joint STARS   New, advance fighter   Lockheed Martin F-22

Military Operations in the 80’s

Prime Minister killed in coup in 83 and increased influx of Russian/Cuban influence US objectives   Protect US citizens, 1000 medical students   Neutralize hostile Grenadian/Cuban elements   Restore the legitimate government Operation URGENT FURY   Army Rangers and 82nd Airborne Division   Supported by Air Force resources Grenada

Military Ops in the 80’s “ Grenada” Lessons Learned   All services must plan and coordinate jointly before the operation occurs   Applying overwhelming force quickly is the key to victory *

Military Ops in the 80’s “ Libya” Muammar Qaddafi linked to terrorism and specific bombing of disco in Berlin Libyan targets struck in Apr 86 Operation EL DORADO CANYON   AF F-111s   Navy and Marine aircraft   Four of five main targets severely damaged

Lessons Learned   Superb joint coordination   US able to strike terrorists when targets were identified   That the US was willing to strike terrorist targets Military Ops in the 80’s “Libya” *

Military Ops in the 80’s “ Panama” General Noriega   Indicted on drug trafficking charges   US forces harassed in the Canal Zone   Implied threats to security of the Canal   Marine Lt killed in an incident President Bush ordered Operation JUST CAUSE

Objectives of Operation JUST CAUSE   Remove Noriega from power   Safeguard the Panama Canal   Restore the democratic government in Panama Dec 89 operation began   AC-130 Spectre gunships used   First use of F-117   Noriega surrenders after seeking refuge in Vatican embassy Military Ops in the 80’s “ Panama”

Military Ops in the 80’s “ Panama” Lessons Learned   Strike quickly with overwhelming force using mobility, surprise, and precision   Army and Marines recognized the need for light deployable forces   Joint coordination had vastly improved since Grenada!

Rebuilding Overview  Cold War CFD Review  First Generation Weapon Systems  Second Generation Weapon Systems  Grenada – Urgent Fury  Libya – El Dorado Canyon  Panama – Just Cause

Master Overview  Vietnam I – A Chronology  Vietnam II – Uses of Airpower  Rebuilding the Air and Space Force

Airpower Thru the Cold War