Accession Number:

AD1175894

Title:

Urban Close Air Support: The Landscape is Changing

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Master's Thesis]

Corporate Author:

MARINE CORPS UNIV QUANTICO VA

Personal Author(s):

• Johnson, Russell V. IV

Report Date:

2015-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

49

Abstract:

Global population migration to urban areas is increasing the number and size of the worlds largest cities. Characteristics of these cities affected by large populations and geographic size are numerous and demand further study. This rise in population and geographic size will provide increased sources of conflict. Strain on infrastructure, technology, and mass communication allow exploitation of a densely populated and built up environment by threats to security. Unless these threats are existential to the U.S., the megacity will present a multitude of strategic, operational, and tactical challenges. Urban doctrine and tactical publications account for the complexity of operating in a large urban area, but do not completely appreciate the challenges associated with aviation operations in a megacity, including close air support. Among the most important of these challenges are airspace management and control, survivability, collateral damage, and weaponeering. These unique challenges to CAS in a megacity will require attention from planning through execution in order for future air operations to be successful in supporting overall military objectives.

Descriptors:

Subject Categories:

• Defense Systems
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics
• Sociology and Law

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]