Coercive Warfare and Gradual Escalation Confronting the Bogeyman

摘要

This monograph answers the question of whether operational air commanders have the necessary doctrinal tools to plan for effective airpower employment in gradually escalated, coercive warfare. It concludes that current Air Force doctrine does not adequately address coercive warfare. Given the question and answer, several secondary questions flow from them and are addressed in successive chapters: (1) What do the terms gradual escalation and coercive warfare mean and how do they differ from rapid, decisive operations.; (2) Historically, how has airpower been employed in gradually escalated conflicts. (3) What are the needed changes in current Air Force doctrine to address the planning and employment of airpower in a gradually escalated, coercive conflict.