Aerospace Power's Role in Large Scale Warfare

Abstract : During large scale warfare, aerospace forces can do the bulk of work needed to determine the outcome of the conflict, thus enabling other forces to achieve their goals with minimum loss of life. Consequently, it's time to rethink the United States traditional ground force-on-force phased approach to large scale warfare and adopt a new approach called the halt strategy. Wars have traditionally been fought in three phases: halt the invading force, build up combat power and weaken the enemy, then conduct the decisive counteroffensive. In the new view, the halt phase may be planned as the conflict's decisive phase instead of as a precursor to a build-up of ground forces. The goal of the decisive halt strategy is to force the enemy beyond his culminating point through the early and sustained application of air and space power. Strategic or operational objectives may have been achieved in the halt, follow-on diplomacy may end the conflict, or a limited air and ground counteroffensive buildup may be required. The United States Air Force's emerging capabilities and core competencies of air and space superiority, precision engagement, information superiority, global attack, and rapid global mobility are at the heart of the aerospace power's strategic contribution to America's military capabilities. These competencies, in conjunction with Joint Vision 2010 concepts, joint force air component commander interaction, and a sound air campaign plan, will provide joint force commanders with the capability to decisively halt an enemy without employing extensive ground forces. Certainly, aerospace forces have limitations. First, they cannot win conflicts single-handedly. Next, during military operations other than war, they're relegated to a supporting role. Finally, there can be complications with land based air forces basing rights. Despite these drawbacks, aerospace power has the potential to be a dominant factor in large scale war.