Airpower A New Way of Warfare (Sea Control)

摘要

Vague military threats reductions in arms manufacturing are forcing new strategic considerations. Gone are the days when America could quickly mobilize and use brute force to overcome the enemy. According to General Fogleman, a new way of war is emerging, one based on technology and airpower. These advantages, he stated, must be exploited 'to compel an adversary to do our will at the least cost to the United States in lives and resources.' Historically, America based its strategy on superior numbers fortified by mass production. In 1943, because industries such as the Kaiser Corporation could build a 10,800-ton Liberty ship every 10 days, the United States launched more than fifteen hundred vessels. During World War II, American industries sent more than 19,200 B-24 Liberators to the front. Today, because fewer corporations are involved in the arms business, some industrial experts surmise that the production miracles of the past are no longer possible. RAND, however, believes that these gaps can be bridged by the extensive use of technologically sophisticated airpower. Their study claims that 'with concentration on air power, U.S. forces could manage concur rent crises, in say, the Persian Gulf area and Korea.' Echoing this theme, General Fogleman believes air power can 'provide a tremendous leverage to resolve future crises rapidly at low cost.' When properly applied in the past, airpower has achieved some great successes. At Normandy, it gained command of the air and thus provided valuable support for the D-day landings. Against Japan, it helped the US take command of the seas and deliver a war ending blow.