Retreat from the Web: The Shift in United States Air Power Theory

Abstract

Abstract : Ironically, Operation DESERT STORM was at once a victory for air power theorists, and a shift away from fundamental air power theory since 1917. Coalition air power in 1991 did not contribute to the defeat of Iraq by collapsing the nation, but by degrading the military and stripping away Iraq's security. The war's conduct signaled that United States (U.S.) air power theory is shifting focus toward a counter-military strategy, and away from attacks on the societal fabric or national will. Five elements justify and cause this change: American morality, lessons of history, costs of nation-building, increased information flow, and evolving technology. This shift is not only appropriate within the current global strategic situation, it should go further. However, this shift is only appropriate today because of the strong relative air power advantage the US holds over potential adversaries. The danger is that this fleeting window of asymmetric superiority will slam shut before fighting theory sufficiently evolves. This paper traces the evolution of US air power theory. It will illustrate the recent shift in air power theory today and discuss why the change should progress even more The paper's scope is limited, however, to a discussion of conventional, inter-state warfare between modern nations-the major theater war construct of current Department of Defense strategic planning.