Enhancing Air Base Defense Through Joint Doctrine

Forward air base force protection, which is increasingly vulnerable in irregular warfare, can be enhanced for current and future operations through comprehensive adjustments to joint doctrine regarding air base defense. There has been an increased degree of importance and subsequent vulnerability levied on forward operating air bases from the tactical to the operational levels of war with a growing progression that will advance far into the future. A historical analysis of air base attacks provides context to the emphasis needed toward current and future air base defense operations within hybrid warfare environments. Persistent threats from air base footprints, such as harassing indirect fire, continue to effect air operations and are likely to proliferate further over time. Various shortfalls in standing doctrine detract from efficient air base defense in an irregular warfare environment and have led to unnecessary losses of material and personnel over time. Filling in doctrinal gaps to DoDJoint guidance for air base defense planning and improved interoperability can create an improved foundation for combatant commanders.