Arthur D Davis

Back to the Basics: an Aviation Solution to Counter-insurgent Warfare Arthur D Davis

Publisher Marketing: This study focuses on the current War on Terror as a conflict against insurgents attacking US power wherever it shows itself through asymmetric means. The primary target of late has been military and civilian convoy operations in Iraq and, to some extent, Afghanistan. By examining past examples of the use of airpower in counterinsurgent warfare, this study will shed light on current failings in both equipment and doctrine on behalf of the US in waging this type of war. The French used low technology aircraft in Algeria to attack insurgent forces and defend ground troops. The aircraft that were employed were WWII vintage T-6 and A-1 fighters that proved well adapted to the environment and this reason, coupled with the manner in which they were deployed and employed made the difference in containing and defeating the insurgents. In Vietnam, the US employed T-28 and A-1 aircraft as they were ideally suited to training the South Vietnamese Air Force and had a proven track record in this type of war. The US should re-think its inventory of aircraft devoted to counterinsurgent war by looking at possible replacements for the A-1. Coupled with this should be a re-evaluation of the manner in which these assets are employed by having them located with the ground forces they are meant to support.