Deception, Surprise and Attack: Operational Art for Air Superiority

Abstract : U.S. doctrine calls for deception to be part of every tactical, operational and strategic plan. Unfortunately, this deception plan is often included as little more than an afterthought rather than an integrated part of whole planning process. Further, the deception plan frequently only focuses on operational security (OPSEC) of one's own plan. Despite U.S. operational commanders dependence on air superiority, their only guidance is often only the vague gain or achieve air superiority received as tasking in an operational order. A comprehensive and integrated deception plan, leading to a surprise attack of an enemy's air force on the ground is one historically successful method to achieve air superiority. With lessons from several historically successful air attacks and expanding practical deception methods beyond just OPSEC, operational art can provide the air superiority the commander requires.