The Operational Artist and the Air Power Palette

: Air power theorists and operational commanders have struggled to realize the irresistible promise of quick, decisive victories through employment of air power since the invention of the airplane. Historically, U.S. operational commanders have misunderstood and misapplied the lessons of their predecessors regarding the employment of air power to achieve operational objectives. A historical analysis of past successes and failures reveals that an integrated combined arms approach to warfare, under the unifying guidance of the operational commander, is the surest road to success in modern combat. Airpower alone will rarely achieve operational objectives, but with a balanced approach to the employment of air power in close synchronization with ground forces, commanders will achieve their objectives in the most efficient manner possible. This paper contains a brief history of air power theory, a historical analysis of selected air operations, and concludes with recommended guidelines that operational planners and commanders should observe to best employ air power in pursuit of operational objectives.