Making Coalition Air War Work

<p>This paper seeks via comparison of three historical cases to understand how the USAF should interact with coalition air forces to optimize support of national interests. The examined cases are France and the United States of America during World War I Germany and Romania during World War II and the United States of America and the Republic of Vietnam during the latter portion of the Vietnam War. To assess major sources of functionality or dysfunction in the air coalitions this paper focuses on the relationships between commanders interaction of the organizations interplay of ideas and role of military equipment. Several themes emerge from the analysis that give insights into how the USAF should deal with other air forces to support national interests. Senior American Airmen must thoroughly understand the objectives and circumstances of both parties. This permits an assessment of level of commitment nature of commitment and unique capabilities of the minor air force that translates into a more effective use of allied capability and better interpersonal relationships. In addition the critical nature of interpersonal relationships demands leaders with professional courtesy and an ability to communicate effectively with allies. This will require expanded language instruction throughout the service.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>