English

DTIC ADA449641: The Air Force and the War on Terror

This paper identifies shortfalls in the current Air Force mission and the employment of Airmen in the prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism and counterinsurgency. As relevant background, it examines the roots of terrorism, showing that the insurgency is global in character and that terrorist organizations are employing insurgency strategies, specifically those of Mao Tse-Tung. Because global terrorism is an insurgency, U.S. leaders have adapted national strategies focused on counterinsurgency. Based on the assumption that this strategic approach is viable, this paper will identify key war fighting requirements for the Air Force and use them as the baseline for identifying readiness shortfalls. Finally, the paper will offer some general recommendations for improving the Air Force's readiness to fight terrorism and insurgency.

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