21ST Century Technology in Air power: A DoubleEdged Sword

Abstract : 21ST CENTURY AIR POWER BRINGS NEW CAPABILITIES TO A Commander in Chief(CINC) and Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, but it also brings significant limitations, and occasionally unintended consequences, particularly in a politically constrained war. New technologies have resulted in air power enhanced capabilities that include increased accuracy and survivability leading to an increase in vulnerable targets and overall air power effectiveness. Other positive results include increases in surprise, maneuver, and offense as well as reduced requirements in logistics support, force protection and security. At least as important as the capabilities provided by new technology, are a variety of significant limitations and potential unintended consequences. These include recently increased public and political expectations, which can unexpectedly lead to an ill-timed war termination and prolonged military presence, or an overall less effective operation. Next, heavy intelligence demands to accommodate precise targeting and damage assessment, particularly against mobile targets, can result in outdated or incomplete information leading to adverse strategic effects. Finally, airmen are approaching (and may even have achieved) the survivability and precision always stipulated by current doctrine as a requirement to the effective use of air power. But historic evidence suggests a need to question existing doctrine in light of its lack of success in causing an enemy leader to concede as a result of the destruction of civil infrastructure or an induced popular uprising.