Psychological Effects of U.S. Air Operations in Four Wars, 1941-1991. Lessons forU.S. Commanders

摘要

This study suggests ways to maximize the psychological impact of U.S. airpower infuture conflicts. It draws on enemy prisoner of war (POW) interrogations and other data from the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars to analyze the psychological effects of past U.S. air operations against both enemy strategic targets and deployed forces. Among other objectives, the study aims to identify (1) conditions that enhance or limit the psychological effects of air operations, (2) how future U.S. air campaigns and psychological operations (PSYOP) might be best designed and employed to exploit fully the psychological potential of U.S. airpower, and (3) how the Air Force might increase its own capabilities and role in the psychological dimension of warfare.