Aerial Ports in Low Intensity Conflict: Vietnam, Grenada, and Panama

摘要

This study investigated the role of aerial port forces in low intensity conflict(LIC). The Vietnam War through 1968, operation Urgent Fury in 1983, and operation Just Cause in 1989 were analyzed to determine the role and effectiveness of aerial ports in LIC. Within the DoD definition of LIC, four broad categories were identified; insurgency/counterinsurgency, peacetime contingency operations and peacekeeping were singled out as most likely to require aerial port logistics support. After examining the counterinsurgency period of the Vietnam War and peacetime contingency operations in Grenada and Panama, the results of this research indicate that aerial port forces in LIC must be prepared to provide extremely mobile, combat ready units. Keywords: Theses, Landing fields. (EMK)