ABSTRACT
In the open terrain, desert and high plateau, of the Middle East and much of Africa control of the air is an absolute prerequisite to effective operations on the ground. Strengths and vulnerabilities are unique to each type of airpower. Particularly influential factors were the new dimensions of Soviet airpower, the consequent necessity for an effective air superiority counter, and the need for an antidote to burgeoning Russian battle tank deployment. Tactical Air Command and Air National Guard squadrons will be equipped with 1,995 F-16s. Land based tactical airpower is thus one of the strongest cards the United States has to play. Employed in appropriate circumstances it can indeed be a decisive instrument. Tactical airpower must be selectively employed. In a number of situations, moreover, airpower is simply not relevant. In some circumstances airpower can be counter-productive and wantonly destructive.
