Ground-Aided Precision Strike : Heavy Bomber Activity in Operation Enduring Freedom

By Lieutenant Colonel, Eric E. Theisen, USAF

Book Id: WPLBN0002170486
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.1 MB
Reproduction Date: 10/9/2012

Title:	Ground-Aided Precision Strike : Heavy Bomber Activity in Operation Enduring Freedom
Author:	Lieutenant Colonel, Eric E. Theisen, USAF
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Military Science, Air Force
Collections:	Authors Community, United States
Historic Publication Date:	2012
Publisher:	Air University Press

Member Page:	Air University Press
Citation APA MLA Chicago Colonel, Eric E. Theisen, Usa, B. L. (2012). Ground-Aided Precision Strike : Heavy Bomber Activity in Operation Enduring Freedom. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
The use of the heavy bomber during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is just one more chapter on the flexibility of airpower. Bombers in the early stages of the war destroyed the Taliban air force on the ground and the limited air-to-air defenses, as well as disrupting command and control nodes. Orbiting close over problem areas, heavy bombers, guided by ground terminal attack controllers, precisely struck key targets. The bombers were supplying something different than traditional CAS. This new form of warfare used small parties of ground troops in support of the massive firepower that the bombers could provide. Each war is different; and in this case, there were virtually no external threats to the bombers. With total air dominance and the freedom to range over the battlefield at will, utilizing heavy bombers in the GAPS role was possible. This combination of the JDAM along with improved communications systems made this new mission a reality. With the success of these operations, Colonel Theisen believes the USAF should initiate doctrine, rules of engagement, and training changes to accommodate this mission.