Comparing the Efficacy of Airpower and Heavy Ground Power
America's current financial strains necessitate an investigation into the effectiveness and efficiency of our fighting forces. This monograph explores the history of technology, theory, and doctrine development in heavy ground combat power and airpower to consider whether one force component is more efficient and effective than the other. It constructs a model from the explorative study to compare and contrast the characteristics, functions, roles, and missions associated with each force component. Next, the monograph explains the concepts of effectiveness, efficiency, and efficacy, and it highlights the importance of economy of force. It applies the previously developed model in case studies of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom in order to identify specific demonstrations of effectiveness and efficiency in the two force components. The model and case study reveal that it is impossible and unnecessary to compare efficacy between heavy ground power and airpower. Rather, operational planners should understand conditions that promote efficacy in each force component, and then employ each element in those conditions that play to each force component's strengths. This methodology ensures that each force component is employed in the most effective and efficient way possible.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Customer Reviews
ThriftBooks® and the ThriftBooks® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
