[PDF] Snakes In The Eagles Nest A History Of Ground Attacks On Air Bases eBook

Author : Alan Vick
Publisher : Minnesota Historical Society
Page : 202 pages
File Size : 10,38 MB
Release : 1995
Category : History
ISBN : 9780833016294

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Because future adversaries are likely to look for alternative means to challenging the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the air to counter U.S. airpower, a recent RAND study for the USAF investigated those means. As part of that study, this historical effort sought to better understand past, present, and future ground threats to air bases. In the course of the research, it became clear that attacks on air bases were much more frequent and successful than is commonly appreciated. For this reason, the history of these attacks is pertinent to future USAF operations. This report presents a comprehensive overview of ground attacks on air bases from the first known attacks in 1940 to the most recent in 1992. The objectives, tactics, and outcomes of those attacks are analyzed to identify lessons learned and their applications to future conflicts. In particular, this report identifies the attack techniques that proved most difficult to counter and offers some suggestions for improving air base defenses against them. The five primary conclusions of this study are as follows: The most common air base attack objective was to destroy aircraft; seventy-five percent of the 645 attacks used standoff weapons; standoff attacks have proved extremely difficult to counter; reliance on non-air force services for air base defense proved problematic for Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) on Crete, the German Luftwaffe in North Africa, and the USAF in Vietnam; small forces using unsophisticated weapons have successfully destroyed or damaged over 2,000 aircraft.

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Publisher :
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 39,22 MB
Release : 1995
Category :
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In view of the findings of recent RAND research that suggest that few opponents will be able to challenge the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in the air, a RAND study for the USAF, 'Countering U.S. Aerospace Power, ' has been investigating means that future adversaries might pursue to counter U.S. airpower. As part of that study, the historical effort reported here examines ground attacks on air bases in conflicts between 1940 and 1992. Its purpose is to offer a comprehensive review of attacker objectives and tactics, and of the most effective defensive countermeasures. The insights gained can be related to current air-base-defense doctrine and tactics and should be of interest to Air Force Security Police in training, operations, and policy positions. Additionally, it is hoped that the report will serve as a useful reference for Security Police courses on air base ground defense and for officers researching the history of ground attacks on air bases. The report should also be of interest to Air Force officers in operations and plans (OPLANS) positions who have a broader responsibility for ensuring the availability of airpower as a ready instrument in the defense of U.S. interests. Finally, the special forces, defense analysis, and military history communities should find the report of interest.

Author : Wayne Thompson
Publisher : Smithsonian Institution
Page : 433 pages
File Size : 41,67 MB
Release : 2014-07-15
Category : History
ISBN : 1588344460

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After nearly eighteen months of the largely unsuccessful bombing campaign called Operation Rolling Thunder, the US Air Force began to look for ways to overcome technological, geographical, and political challenges in North Vietnam and use limited air power more effectively. In 1972 the two Linebacker campaigns joined with other air operations to make a dramatic, although temporary, difference. While they unleashed powerful B-52 area bombers, the campaigns also demonstrated the efficacy of newly developed laser-guided precision bombs. Drawing upon twenty years of research in classified records, Wayne Thompson integrates operational, political, and personal detail to present a full history of the Air Force role in the war against North Vietnam. He provides an unprecedented view of the motivations and actions of the people involved—from aircrews to generals to politicians—in every phase of the air campaigns. He outlines, for instance, the political reasons for President Johnson's reluctance to use B-52 bombers against major North Vietnamese targets. He also examines how the media influenced US policy and how US prisoners became the war's most celebrated heroes. The war in Southeast Asia ultimately pushed the Air Force toward adopting more flexible tactics and incorporating increasingly sophisticated weapons that would shape later conflicts.

Author : Chris Hobson
Publisher : Atlasbooks Distribution
Page : 292 pages
File Size : 48,32 MB
Release : 2001
Category : History
ISBN :

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This book is a most thorough and detailed review of all the fixed wing losses suffered by the USAF, USN and USMC over a 12-year period. The information, culled from a huge variety of sources, is a chronological recording of each aircraft loss including information on unit, personnel, location, and cause of loss. Information is also provided on the background or future career of some of the aircrew involved. Interspersed with the main text is general background information which helps to put the detailed entries into perspective and includes material on campaigns, units, aircraft and weapons, and other relevant topics. A selection of photographs is included, illustrating the various entries in the chronological sections, and there are extensive orders of battle, plus an index of personnel, as well as statistics of the war, list of abbreviations, glossary of code names and a bibliography.

Author : Lt.-Colonel Roger P. Fox
Publisher : Pickle Partners Publishing
Page : 470 pages
File Size : 48,93 MB
Release : 2014-08-15
Category : History
ISBN : 1782895914

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Includes 78 photos and 16 maps / charts This book explores the unique problem of defending air bases during the Vietnam War. It centers on the primary efforts of the United States Air Force and allied air units to defend 10 key air bases within the Republic of Vietnam. Bien Hoa, on 1 November 1964, was the first base to be attacked and until the cease-fire in January 1973, these bases suffered a total of 475 attacks. Although there were initial deficiencies in staff support for base defense in such key areas as intelligence, motor vehicles, weapons procurement and maintenance, communications, and civil engineering, significant improvements had been made by the end of the Air Force’s part in the war. The author, Lt. Col. Roger P. Fox, USAF (Ret.), wrote this volume while assigned to the Office of Air Force History. He brings judgments to his research based on his personal experience as a base security officer during the conflict. Thus, early on the morning of 4 December 1966, he rallied Air Force and South Vietnamese security forces to repel an enemy attempt to penetrate Tan Son Nhut Air Base, the center of Air Force operations in South Vietnam. For his gallantry in action on this occasion, he was awarded the Silver Star. This personal experience formed a foundation upon which he developed a keen insight into exploring the entire spectrum of air base defense, and upon which he has built a strong case for testing future plans and operations.

Author : Shannon Caudill
Publisher : Military Bookshop
Page : 444 pages
File Size : 42,74 MB
Release : 2014-08
Category : History
ISBN : 9781782666851

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This anthology discusses the converging operational issues of air base defense and counterinsurgency. It explores the diverse challenges associated with defending air assets and joint personnel in a counterinsurgency environment. The authors are primarily Air Force officers from security forces, intelligence, and the office of special investigations, but works are included from a US Air Force pilot and a Canadian air force officer. The authors examine lessons from Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts as they relate to securing air bases and sustaining air operations in a high-threat counterinsurgency environment. The essays review the capabilities, doctrine, tactics, and training needed in base defense operations and recommend ways in which to build a strong, synchronized ground defense partnership with joint and combined forces. The authors offer recommendations on the development of combat leaders with the depth of knowledge, tactical and operational skill sets, and counterinsurgency mind set necessary to be effective in the modern asymmetric battlefield.

Author : David A. Shlapak
Publisher : Rand Corporation
Page : 87 pages
File Size : 43,41 MB
Release : 1995
Category : History
ISBN : 9780833023179

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Explores the possibility that future adversaries will use ground attacks on U.S. Air Force bases as a countermeasure to overwhelming U.S. air superiority.

Author : Michael E. Haas
Publisher : DIANE Publishing
Page : 388 pages
File Size : 12,83 MB
Release : 1998-05
Category :
ISBN : 9780788149832

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Presenting a fascinating insider's view of U.S.A.F. special operations, this volume brings to life the critical contributions these forces have made to the exercise of air & space power. Focusing in particular on the period between the Korean War & the Indochina wars of 1950-1979, the accounts of numerous missions are profusely illustrated with photos & maps. Includes a discussion of AF operations in Europe during WWII, as well as profiles of Air Commandos who performed above & beyond the call of duty. Reflects on the need for financial & political support for restoration of the forces. Bibliography. Extensive photos & maps. Charts & tables.