In search of the optimal relationship: air interdiction to ground operations.

Air interdiction is a critical component on the modern battlefield, and an essential element of operational fires to the operational commander. It must bear a relationship to ground operations to be truly effective, but that relationship has not been adequately clarified in the past or in current doctrine. Combat air interdiction operations since WWII have tended to become almost independent Air Force efforts without close integration with the ground effort. The result has been a lack of emphasis on this essential relationship in current doctrine and practice. This monograph is an effort to clarify that relationship. This study examines interdiction theory from the perspective of classic pre-air era theorists, and then modern air era theorists. The historical example is based on air interdiction operations in the Korean War. That provides a framework of limited war, significantly varied ground operations, and air interdiction operations conducted by the new U.S. Air Force. The monograph concludes by evaluating the relationship between air interdiction and ground operations in Korea. It presents a theoretical construct for the nature of the optimal relationship, and observations for how to employ that relationship for maximum effect. The implications are based on current Army and Air Force doctrine, which recognizes the importance of air interdiction but does not clearly specify the need for the relationship to ground efforts.