Beyond the Battle Line: US Air Attack Theory and Doctrine, 1919-1941

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book Beyond the Battle Line: US Air Attack Theory and Doctrine, 1919-1941 by Major Gary C. Cox, Tannenberg Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major Gary C. Cox ISBN: 9781786250377
Publisher: Tannenberg Publishing Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Tannenberg Publishing Language: English
Author: Major Gary C. Cox
ISBN: 9781786250377
Publisher: Tannenberg Publishing
Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Tannenberg Publishing
Language: English

This study examines the development and usefulness of US air attack theory and doctrine during the interwar period, 1919-1941. This period represents more than twenty years of development in US Air Corps attack theory and doctrine. It was the first peacetime period of such development. Attack aviation during this time was a branch of aviation used to provide direct and indirect combat support to ground forces in the form of machine gun strafing, light bombing, and chemical attacks.

From the earliest origins, attack theory and doctrine evolved primarily along two paths direct and indirect support of ground and air force objectives. The direct support approach was based on fundamental beliefs by the Army that attack aviation was an auxiliary combat arm, to be used directly on the battlefield against ground forces and to further the ground campaign plan.

The indirect support approach, or air interdiction, was derived from the fundamental beliefs by the Air Corps that attack aviation was best used beyond the battle line and artillery range, against targets more vulnerable and less heavily defended, to further both the Air Force mission and the ground support mission.

As attack doctrine evolved, range and hardened targets became problematic for the single-engine attack plane.

Thus, attack theory and doctrine in terms of the indirect support approach, was adequately developed to be useful at the start of WWII. The use of light and medium bombers in North Africa showed the effectiveness of air interdiction and the indirect approach. Attack aviation had, indeed, established itself before WWII. Attack aviation, in the form of close air support, would have to wait for the lessons of WWII.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This study examines the development and usefulness of US air attack theory and doctrine during the interwar period, 1919-1941. This period represents more than twenty years of development in US Air Corps attack theory and doctrine. It was the first peacetime period of such development. Attack aviation during this time was a branch of aviation used to provide direct and indirect combat support to ground forces in the form of machine gun strafing, light bombing, and chemical attacks.

From the earliest origins, attack theory and doctrine evolved primarily along two paths direct and indirect support of ground and air force objectives. The direct support approach was based on fundamental beliefs by the Army that attack aviation was an auxiliary combat arm, to be used directly on the battlefield against ground forces and to further the ground campaign plan.

The indirect support approach, or air interdiction, was derived from the fundamental beliefs by the Air Corps that attack aviation was best used beyond the battle line and artillery range, against targets more vulnerable and less heavily defended, to further both the Air Force mission and the ground support mission.

As attack doctrine evolved, range and hardened targets became problematic for the single-engine attack plane.

Thus, attack theory and doctrine in terms of the indirect support approach, was adequately developed to be useful at the start of WWII. The use of light and medium bombers in North Africa showed the effectiveness of air interdiction and the indirect approach. Attack aviation had, indeed, established itself before WWII. Attack aviation, in the form of close air support, would have to wait for the lessons of WWII.

More books from Tannenberg Publishing

Cover of the book Schwerpunkt: The Luftwaffe And The Applied Air Campaign In Europe 1943-1944 by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Spitfire Pilot [Illustrated Edition] by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Operational Encirclements: Can The United States Military Decisively Follow Through? by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Strategy by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book America’s Mercenaries: War By Proxy by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book British Governance Of The North-West Frontier (1919 To 1947): A Blueprint For Contemporary Afghanistan? by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book The Long Road To Desert Storm And Beyond: The Development Of Precision Guided Bombs by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Engineer Aviation Units In The Southwest Pacific Theater During WWII by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Defensive Culmination - When Does The Tactical Commander Counterattack? by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book War In The Falklands: Perspectives On British Strategy And Use Of Air Power by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Hannibal: A Leader For Today by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Ensuring The Continued Relevance Of Long Range Surveillance Units by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Urban Operations, Untrained On Terrain by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book General Roy S. Geiger, USMC Marine Aviator, Joint Force Commander by Major Gary C. Cox
Cover of the book Command Of The Air by Major Gary C. Cox
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy