The architect of victory: air campaigns for Australia

Abstract

This monograph argues that the contribution of airpower to the defence of Australia can best be made through three air campaigns, and that there is a theoretical basis, experiential evidence, and doctrinal precedent for accepting such a premise. The air campaigns are: Control of the Air as the prime campaign; Air Bombardment as the separate campaign; and Air Co-operation as the force multiplier campaign. Discussions of each air campaign starts with an explanation of its subsidiary roles, before examining specific examples from history which have relevance to Australia today. In an effort to focus on higher level conceptual thinking, broad strategic issues are presented on each campaign. Finally, to orient that strategic thought to more practical issues, the operational implications for the RAAF are articulated. Show more