While the projection of air power in contemporary warfare is among the most complex endeavors facing a military commander, few of the activities required to support and sustain air forces in battle have been explored in depth in historical literature. Even less studied has been the defense of air bases. Since the introduction of airplanes to warfare, it was obvious that bases must be kept functioning at peak efficiency to seize and maintain air superiority over an enemy as well as to carry out close air support and ...
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While the projection of air power in contemporary warfare is among the most complex endeavors facing a military commander, few of the activities required to support and sustain air forces in battle have been explored in depth in historical literature. Even less studied has been the defense of air bases. Since the introduction of airplanes to warfare, it was obvious that bases must be kept functioning at peak efficiency to seize and maintain air superiority over an enemy as well as to carry out close air support and interdiction operations. A number of factors have been critical in actions involving air bases: advancing technology in aircraft and in defensive weapons, command and control systems, detection capabilities, evolving air power doctrine that predisposes air forces to specific courses of action, human endurance and morale, camouflage or concealment, dispersion, the ability to foresee and counter the strategy of a potential enemy, and in many cases pure chance that favors one side over the other. In response to a request by the Air Force Director of Plans, the Office of Air Force History undertook to condense into one volume the experiences of various nations' air forces in defending air bases against attacks from the air. Maj. John Kreis, an experienced air security officer who spent much of his career providing protection for U. S. Air Force bases, accomplished this task by adopting a case study approach that highlights the interplay of the factors affecting air base defense over half a century. In these pages he has presented examples of the earliest attempts to defend airfields and troops in World War I from aerial assault. He chronicles the development of radar and command organizations that influenced so heavily the Royal Air Force's performance in the Battle of Britain, the ability to marshal defenses and repair crews on the island of Malta, and evolving command arrangements in North Africa that made for success against a capable enemy whose own command arrangements were deficient. Cases were also chosen to investigate failures from which sound lessons could be drawn. Limited conflict in the cold war world has imposed its own logic on base defense and attacks on installations, and the examples of base destruction in the Middle East wars between 1948 and 1973 are also instructive. This volume has wide application in staff planning for developing base defensive emplacements, providing repair and support services, and training base personnel to react in a host of contingencies. For the Air Force gene ally, it offers new insights into matters not usually treated in doctrinal literature. The cases elaborated upon here will also have an appeal to a wider public audience interested in military aviation in all of its aspects.
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Publisher:
Office of Air Force History, U.S. Air Force :: For sale by the Supt. of...
Published:
1988
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17906879005
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
Publisher:
Office of Air Force History, U.S. Air Force :: For sale by the Supt. of...
Published:
1988
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17069538786
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Standard Shipping: $4.59
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Seller's Description:
Good in good dust jacket. slight spine flex. cover corners bent and minor edge wear. end pages bunched at spine. page edges starting to yellow. no marks on text or illustrations. dustjacket rub marks and scratches. dustjacket edge wrinkles, creases,... 407 pages. 9 3/4" x 7". From the earliest development of combat aviation, the security and continued operating efficiency of established bases guaranteed the successful application of air power in modern military campaigns. The factors affecting this security are many and varied. They are explored in detail in this collection of studies drawn from American and foreign experience dating from World War I to the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1973. 33 maps. 37 tables. 74 photographs.
Publisher:
Office of Air Force History, U.S. Air Force :: For sale by the Supt. of...
Published:
06/1988
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
16442316473
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in unclipped, fine. jacket. First ed.; 407 p., immaculate and unmarked anywhere; period photos; binding tight; boards pristine, and unclipped d.j. has minimal wear.
Publisher:
Office of Air Force History, U.S. Air Force :: For sale by the Supt. of...
Published:
1988
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
18187855527
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Seller's Description:
Dust jacket in good condition. Shelf and handling wear to cover and binding, with general signs of previous use. Dust jacket is protected in a mylar cover. Secure packaging for safe delivery.
Publisher:
Office of Air Force History, U.S. Air Force :: For sale by the Supt. of...
Published:
1988
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
8307941056
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Standard Shipping: $4.59
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Very Good++ jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. 407 pp. Crisp, clean, tight and bright copy-appears unread. Dust jacket is also bright with minor edgewear.
