USAF MG (RET) Ricahrd Comer's Article in FEB AFJ on the USAF and IW
I thought MG (Ret) Comer's article well developed and practical in many respects - it offer's a good counter point to other voices associated with the USAF on the path for air power in IW.
Here is the link to An irregular challenge
Here is the conclusion:
Quote:
These historical precedents demonstrate that the growing requirements of irregular warfare will also find a way to become satisfied. The first and best option is for the Air Force to lead the way in developing people, airplanes and units that will create air forces to fight insurgencies.
Today, the Air Force controls air and space from the surface to the sun. Our partner nations, constituting the front lines fighting the global jihad, need to create a scaled-down similar capability within their own domestic airspace. As the only air superpower in the world, the Air Force is the best organization to take on this mission. To do it correctly means planning for the long term, moving patiently and empowering a lot of young airmen. It’s new and will require new aircraft, new wings and new thinking. It will create a new culture in our Air Force, regenerating it into the larger Air Force the country needs.
Lots of good thoughts in the body, and well worth the 10 minutes to read it and think on it.
Best, Rob
General Comer's experience
Tom,
In fact, Major General Comer was not a navigator, he was a Rescue and Special Operations helicopter pilot. In fact, if memory serves me, he was the fisrt "pure" helo pilot to the rank of General, althoug he did fly some fixed wing as he commanded units with both types of aircraft.
Otto