How is Air Power Doctrine Used to Shape the Future Air Force - Assignment Example

How Is Air Power Doctrine Used To Shape The Future Air Force? Name: Institution: How Is Air Power Doctrine Used To Shape The Future Air Force? Introduction Air power refers to the extent to which a nation can use military force for defense in locations above the earth’s surface[Pat102]. It includes the level of flying knowledge among military staff, pace of the air craft used and the level of independence from limitations on the ground. There are several advantages posed by this mode of defense including the ability to adapt to different situations, the speed at which air defense can be applied, simultaneous presence over a large area, variety of options offered by the same and the ability to impose a high shock effect on the target. Generally, air power offers fast and centralized defense systems and its use presents increased exploitation of time and space as resources thus making it superior to other defense systems. Successful use of air power depends heavily on adequately prepared bases, associated risks both on ground and in air and the availability of necessary resources (Kainikara & Richardson, 2008). The disadvantages associated with air defense systems include decreased ability to withstand attack, its reliance on prevailing weather conditions and the fact that it cannot hold ground. The different aspects of air power such as its application, its effectiveness and vulnerability present a need for an adequate system of regulations and systems to guide its application. This ensures complete exploitation of the advantages offered by the system of defense as well as a reduction of the risks associated with the same. These regulations are referred to as air power doctrines and are often influenced by historical experiences using air defense in war. In the Australian Defense Force (ADF), these systems are referred to as air power doctrines and they are different for the different aspects of air power[Pat091]. The air power manual is a philosophical doctrine of the air force defining the key aspects regarding the air force’s air power (ADF, 2009). It describes the factors that guide the force and the state’s options for its use in military activities. The operational doctrine describes the steps involved in the use of air force according to the air power manual. It provides guidance for teaching air force staff to carry out the air force activities adequately. The procedural doctrine of the Australian air force gives specific and detailed methods that help maintain efficiency in air force activities[Pat101]. The application and procedural doctrines are derived from the air power manual and give the principles involved in preparation and use of air power. To be successful in its defense activities, the air force must possess appropriate operational instructions, an efficient and adjustable organization as well as personnel with full knowledge of the different aspects of air power[Pat102]. All air force staff must therefore display expertise, possess adequate training, military education, experience and motivation to use air power in an efficient manner thereby helping the air force to progress and adapt to changes in its functions and hence remain relevant to defense in the current times as well as the future. This can be achieved through reinforcement of the air power manual to the staff and people in the air force, so that, basing from past events they can increase their understanding of the air power (ADF, 2006). How Is Air Power Doctrine Used To Shape The Future Air Force? The World War II greatly shaped the air power doctrine of most countries especially the western. During this period it was realized that air power could really provide a way to overtake the enemy and give control of the battle. Also, air power provided an easy way for nations to efficiently attack their enemies from within their territory. Nevertheless, it was subsequently realized that air power alone could not win wars or rather make the enemy surrender. Therefore, it was important to note in the air power doctrine that, with air power, sometime the bomber will get away but the most important thing was to gain full control of the air because this was very important for the success of the land and sea forces[Mat08]. Another point to note is that air power must be conducted tactically with the land and sea forces in the battle. Air power should also be applied as a unified power. During the post World War II period, nuclear weapons and a global conflict were the major influential factor affecting the air power doctrine. Other factors that influenced and shaped the air power doctrine was the risk of attack on aircrafts from the ground, the use and sophisticated applications of the electromagnetic spectrum, the use in war of remotely controlled vehicles and aerial fuelling[Mat08]. The technological advancement concerning airframes, engines, avionics and munitions have had a substantial impact on the air power. The development of the air power has mainly been on three aerial campaigns that are the keynote of the air power doctrine (Chapman, 2009). These have the sole goal acquiring increased efficiency from the use of air through firstly gaining control of the air. This involves friendly nations joining forces together and acting against the enemies. This in detail entails the neutralizing of the effect and actions of the enemies. Secondly, air bombardment is used to attack the enemy’s zones, interests and resources to disable the enemy and prevent retaliation. This campaign is strictly guided and controlled under the conditions that the aftermath of the attack will determine the direction of the war, whether it will stop it or not. Also this type of aspect should only be considered if the land marine forces have made a significant achievement thus creating an encouraging environment for this situation. When the war has hit a stalemate and this kind of aspect is the only option. The third campaign of the air power doctrine is the fact that the air power should be in a position to provide support to the land and marine forces. This support includes firepower, and penetration into the enemy’s territory (Kainakara, 2009). The air campaigns have so many applications and interactions therefore the air power doctrine success will entirely depend on centralized control of its resources, unified air force effort, and independence in decision making (Stephens, 2006). The evolution and history of the air campaign has lead to the emergence of four maxims which simply are a set of rules and regulations based on past successes and are mainly concerned with the future applications of the air power. The first maxim is, for air power to be efficient it must be concurrently applied through all the three campaigns (ADF, 2000). This will lead to the achievement of the goals of the air power. If all the campaigns are conducted concurrently, each campaign will contribute hence the overall goals of the war will be achieved effectively. The second maxim is that air power is a combination of various functions, therefore to fully tap out all its potential it is necessary that it is treated as a separate entity. There should be unity in its operations and organizations. This enhances flexibility to combat the changing needs of war and also provide for a rapid response for firepower in time. This is because the command for all the air powers will be coming from one place, thus process of decision making will take a very short time. Also, this type of combination will save a lot of money and resources since air power is usually expensive, therefore unifying all the functions will save a substantial amount of money (ADF, 2005). The third maxim is that air wars should be conducted in a discrete environment and produces an impact of great magnitude than all the other forces. Air power should be very lethal when opted for in warfare. Therefore, for air power to have a greater effect there should be a diligent plan and implementation of the set guide lines. This is through air force being flexible in its operations and duties. Thus, the third maxim entails independence of the airpower from all other forces such that the activities of the air forces will not in any way be bound to the activities of the other forces (Groom, 2003). It should be able to act on its own, make its own independent decisions in line with the overall goals that have been set for the operation. The fourth and the last maxim is that air power should have a system that enables it to react to potential threats and have a good structure that provide for the immediate reaction to unexpected threats and attacks. This kind of system is usually affected by factors that can be external and internal. The external factors include geographical location of the country and its economic state (Groom, 2003). The internal factors directly reflect on the national capabilities. There should also be a balance between the air power doctrine and the readily available and implementable technology. The above mentioned maxims, the three air campaigns, unity of operations and organizations, independence in decision making and establishment of a balance the air power doctrine and the available technology encapsulates the philosophical basis of the air power doctrine. One of the major pillars of air power doctrine that will shape the future air force is the professional mastery[Mat08]. This entails creating a blend of skills, relevant training, knowledge of military education, experience and the relevant motivation for the application of the air power. Professional mastery ensures that there is advancement in the air forces such that it remains operational through evolution in line with development of technology. Air power doctrine plays the major role in the development of professional mastery and consequently leads to increased competence and thus the air force gains respects from the citizens and from its partners (Cordesman, 2003). Professional mastery starts with the people and incorporated into the organization. The leaders in the air force show a very good example by providing the mission and the vision and also the necessary guidance to the operations. These leaders are also very flexible and easily embrace change and identify opportunities. Accepting and embracing the core values of the air force is very important if the future air force is to have professional mastery. These values unify and harmonize all the people of the air force to the overall objective of the nation. These values align people of the air force shows the way to act and respond to various situations. Through the air power doctrine the future air force will be a pure product of well trained personnel, high quality equipments, an efficient organization, ready and available materials, rapid response support (Teager & RAAF Air Power Studies Centre, 1996). Conclusion Air power doctrine will shape the organization and operations of the future air force. The air force as an independent enterprise will ensure the effective management of the force and the efficient design of the future force. Also, the operations of the force should be in ever ready condition increase preparedness for any operation. Therefore, the design will be in such a way as to have a balance between the air force and the national security needs. The other factor of the air power doctrine that will shape the future air force is the technical mastery. This is reached when people perfect their skills to very high tactical levels. Skills ranging from the production of the air power, and effectively controlling l air operations. These skills should be exercised until the individual gains full confidence to effectively carry them out. This leads to development of the current and future air force. The procedural doctrine also is a vital factor in professional mastery. This type of doctrine gives the education in air power and also provide for design of the air force, location of bases and support services. This creates a firm foundation for the organization design, adaptability to the developing future technology and the implementation of the plans (Teager & RAAF Air Power Studies Centre, 1996). The future doctrine should also show how different proposed operations are going to be carried out. This will lead to the air force to be well prepared for future setbacks and also lead to maximum utilization of the available air force resources and completely tap out all its potential for optimum operations of the future air force, hence increased capability. For future conflicts, the air can rely on its current capability and also rely on allies. References ADF. (2000).Preparedness and Mobilization. A.C.T: Defense Publishing Service ADF. (2005). Foundations of Australian military doctrine. Canberra, A.C.T: Defense Publishing Service. ADF. (2006). Defense capability plan: 2006-2016. Canberra, Australia: Dept. of Defense. ADF. (2009). Australian Military Doctrine. Canberra, A.C.T: Defense Publishing Service. Butler, M. (2008). Effects-Based Targeting: The Future of Targeting for the Royal Australian Air Force. Carnberra: Air Power Development Centre. Chapman, B. (2009). Military doctrine: A reference handbook. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC- CLIO.  Cordesman, A. H. (2003). The Iraq War: Strategy, tactics, and military lessons. Washington: CSIS. Groom, W. (2003). A storm in Flanders: The Ypres salient, 1914-1918: tragedy and triumph on the Western Front. New York: Grove Press. Kainikara, S. (2009). Friends in high places: Air power in irregular warfare. Canberra: Air Power Development Centre. Kainikara, S., & Richardson, B. (2008). The Air Campaign: The Application of the Air Power. Canibera: Tuggeranong, ACT: Air Power Development Centre. Pat102: , (Pathfinder, 2010), Pat091: , (Pathfinder, 2009), Pat101: , (Pathfinder, 2010), Mat08: , (Butler, 2008), Stephens, A. (2006). The Royal Australian Air Force: A history. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.  Teager, J., & RAAF Air Power Studies Centre. (1996).Blessed be the Peacemakers: Conflict, peace and air power. Fairbairn, A.C.T: Air Power Studies Centre.        Read More

The procedural doctrine of the Australian air force gives specific and detailed methods that help maintain efficiency in air force activities[Pat101]. The application and procedural doctrines are derived from the air power manual and give the principles involved in preparation and use of air power. To be successful in its defense activities, the air force must possess appropriate operational instructions, an efficient and adjustable organization as well as personnel with full knowledge of the different aspects of air power[Pat102].

All air force staff must therefore display expertise, possess adequate training, military education, experience and motivation to use air power in an efficient manner thereby helping the air force to progress and adapt to changes in its functions and hence remain relevant to defense in the current times as well as the future. This can be achieved through reinforcement of the air power manual to the staff and people in the air force, so that, basing from past events they can increase their understanding of the air power (ADF, 2006).

How Is Air Power Doctrine Used To Shape The Future Air Force? The World War II greatly shaped the air power doctrine of most countries especially the western. During this period it was realized that air power could really provide a way to overtake the enemy and give control of the battle. Also, air power provided an easy way for nations to efficiently attack their enemies from within their territory. Nevertheless, it was subsequently realized that air power alone could not win wars or rather make the enemy surrender.

Therefore, it was important to note in the air power doctrine that, with air power, sometime the bomber will get away but the most important thing was to gain full control of the air because this was very important for the success of the land and sea forces[Mat08]. Another point to note is that air power must be conducted tactically with the land and sea forces in the battle. Air power should also be applied as a unified power. During the post World War II period, nuclear weapons and a global conflict were the major influential factor affecting the air power doctrine.

Other factors that influenced and shaped the air power doctrine was the risk of attack on aircrafts from the ground, the use and sophisticated applications of the electromagnetic spectrum, the use in war of remotely controlled vehicles and aerial fuelling[Mat08]. The technological advancement concerning airframes, engines, avionics and munitions have had a substantial impact on the air power. The development of the air power has mainly been on three aerial campaigns that are the keynote of the air power doctrine (Chapman, 2009).

These have the sole goal acquiring increased efficiency from the use of air through firstly gaining control of the air. This involves friendly nations joining forces together and acting against the enemies. This in detail entails the neutralizing of the effect and actions of the enemies. Secondly, air bombardment is used to attack the enemy’s zones, interests and resources to disable the enemy and prevent retaliation. This campaign is strictly guided and controlled under the conditions that the aftermath of the attack will determine the direction of the war, whether it will stop it or not.

Also this type of aspect should only be considered if the land marine forces have made a significant achievement thus creating an encouraging environment for this situation. When the war has hit a stalemate and this kind of aspect is the only option. The third campaign of the air power doctrine is the fact that the air power should be in a position to provide support to the land and marine forces. This support includes firepower, and penetration into the enemy’s territory (Kainakara, 2009).

The air campaigns have so many applications and interactions therefore the air power doctrine success will entirely depend on centralized control of its resources, unified air force effort, and independence in decision making (Stephens, 2006).

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