Synchronizing Airpower and Firepower in the Deep Battle

During the 193Os, Soviet military theorists introduced the concept of deep battle. Their objective was to attack the enemy simultaneously throughout the depth of his ground force to induce a catastrophic failure in his defensive system. 1 Soviet deep-battle theory was driven by technological advancements and the hope that maneuver warfare offered opportunities for quick, efficient, and decisive victory. The concurrent development of aviation and armor provided a physical impetus for this doctrinal evolution within the Red Army. Marshal Mikhail N. Tukhachevski stated that airpower should be "employed against targets beyond the range of infantry, artillery, and other arms. For maximum tactical effect aircraft should be employed in mass, concentrated in time and space, against targets of the highest tactical importance."2 The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) captured much of Tukhachevski's intent for airpower in Europe during the last year of World War II. American airmen were not familiar with the term deep battle, but they were well acquainted with air interdiction (Al) in support of battlefield operations. Al operations prevented the movement of German armor during the D day invasion and subsequently shaped the battlefield for the Normandy breakout. Gen Dwight D. Eisenhower claimed that it was US airpower's ability to intervene in the land battle that made the Normandy invasion possible.