Revisiting the Army and Close Air Support: Disjointed Doctrine or Difference inSemantics

摘要

In February 1993 review of Service Roles and Missions, Chairman Powell concludedthat each Service Component has the ability to perform Close Air Support (CAS). Traditionally, this mission has been assigned to the Air Force. The Army, however, maintains a large fleet of attack helicopters that it uses for maneuver; and reconnaissance and security, in its attack helicopter battalions and air cavalry squadrons. Accordingly, the Army does not perform CAS. Employment of these organic attack assets as all Services reflect their unique organization, missions and capabilities. In this framework, the Joint doctrine is disjointed and dysfunctional.