Seeking Shadows in the Sky : The Strategy of Air Guerrilla Warfare

By Major Patricia D. Hoffman, USAF

Book Id: WPLBN0002170675
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.7 MB
Reproduction Date: 10/22/2012

Title:	Seeking Shadows in the Sky : The Strategy of Air Guerrilla Warfare
Author:	Major Patricia D. Hoffman, USAF
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Military Science, Guerilla Warfare
Collections:	Authors Community, Technology
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Air University Press

Member Page:	Air University Press
Citation APA MLA Chicago Patricia D. Hoffman, Usa, B. M. (n.d.). Seeking Shadows in the Sky : The Strategy of Air Guerrilla Warfare. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.us/

Description
This study analyzes the feasibility of guerrilla warfare as the basis for a strategy of airpower employment for a weak air force confronting an opponent with a stronger air force. The analysis begins with a distillation of the theory of guerrilla warfare into five elements essential to its success: superior intelligence, security, mobility advantage, surprise, and sustainment. The author then compares the ground combat environment of the traditional guerrilla with the airpower environment of the potential air guerrilla and concludes that these five elements can be met in the airpower environment provided the weak force has sufficient ingenuity and the necessary resources. An investigation of recent trends in technology and the prevailing strategic environment indicates that it increasingly possible for a weak force to obtain these resources. The author assesses that air guerrilla warfare is a viable warfighting strategy, but points out that the likelihood of a weak force actually adopting air guerrilla warfare will depend on its regional security needs and its resolve to protract a conflict. The study concludes that air guerrilla warfare is a credible threat to a stronger opponent. To meet this threat, the author recommends that the United States re-examine its intervention strategy, reinforce its policy of strategic engagement, and research both airpower and non-airpower means to neutralize an elusive guerrilla air force.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION . . . .1 THE ESSENTIALS OF GUERRILLA WARFARE . . . . . 11 GUERRILLA WARFARE IN THE AIRPOWER ENVIRONMENT . . . 24 THE FEASIBILITY OF AIR GUERRILLA WARFARE . . . . 47 CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS . . . . . . . 58 BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . 64