Precision Guided Weapons: Panacea or Pitfall for the Joint Task Force Commander

摘要

The current proclivity to use PGMs and near-PGMs restricts the inherent flexibility and versatility of airpower and reduces the effectiveness of the Joint Force Commander (JFC) to fight and win the war in today's rapidly moving battlespace. PGMs, and their counterpart, near-PGMs (consisting primary of GPS-guided munitions) do not currently possess the capability to meet the needs of ground forces in a timely manner. Additionally, these types of weapons also demonstrate a lack of ability, in adverse weather conditions, to destroy mobile or emerging targets in the same timely manner.