Toward the Future of Theater Airlift Doctrine: Case Studies of Theater Airlift Doctrine in Operation Uphold Democracy and Operation Joint Endeavor

ISBN: 1286863775

Author: Davis, Donnie G

Condition: New

Recent operations in Haiti (Uphold Democracy) and Bosnia (Joint Endeavor) demonstrate continued reliance upon theater airlift to support military strategy. The current doctrinal guidance for airlift operations is contained in Joint Publication 3-17 Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Theater Airlift. Since JP 3-17 was drafted, the Air Force has been engaged in numerous major theater airlift operations. Though all of these share similarities, each is unique. The intent of this research is to assess the validity of current doctrine by comparing six propositions of Joint Publication 3-17 with the lessons of recent case studies. Due to time and space limitations, this research will focus only on the airlift operations conducted in Haiti and Bosnia. These two examples represent significant variation in airlift operations to demonstrate the diversity required of joint doctrine. Haiti reflects a planned, large-scale, mass-tactical airdrop launched from the United States. Bosnia reflects long-term employment of numerous airlift operations. Lessons from both help either confirm or identify the validity of current doctrine.