ABSTRACT
An important tool for broadening strategic options for the United States is highly capable conventional forces. American strategists are increasingly hampered by the questionable capability of American conventional forces and by a growing American reputation for military ineptitude. The goal must be effective, highly capable, fully competent forces that can win in combat if called upon to fight. Had the Israeli and Syrian air forces exchanged inventories before the clashes over Lebanon, the Israeli margin of victory might have been reduced, but the Israelis would have won. The highly political Syrian air force, where the most important qualification to be a pilot reportedly is membership in the ruling Alawite sect, was another recent case, as was the Iraqi army in the first phase of the war with Iran. An important element in our national defense debate is how to structure forces for this or that strategy or scenario.
