Lennie O Edwards

Air Battle Force: Air Force Support for Contingency Operations Lennie O Edwards

This monograph analyzes a recent study by the Air force to establish an Air Battle Force (ABF) for projecting tactical airpower in peacetime contingency operations. This ABF would be a single unit, trained and equipped with several different types of aircraft for response to crises situations worldwide. The monograph first discusses the use of the military instrument of power in contingency operations, where achieving political, objectives relys more on influence than destruction of force. The early role of airpower in contingency operations is examined during the deployment of Task force Bravo to Lebanon in 1958. Task force Bravo was part of an Air Force contingency response force known as the Composite Air Strike Force (CASF). This operation highlights several issues involving airpower projection that remain re1evant today. Finally, the ABF concept is analyzed to determine its operational viability. deployability, sustainability, flexibility, and command and control provide the four criteria fur analysis.