Sowing Modern SEAD

<p>In this study I explain suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) strategy as it interacts with radar-guided surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. First I assert that SEAD constitutes a strategy of coercion and that radar-guided SAM systems respond to SEAD according to a rational decision making process. Next I use coercion theory to simplify and explain the history of the standoff between SEAD and radar-guided SAM systems spanning from the Vietnam War through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This examination reveals that SEAD has succeeded as a coercion strategy since the Gulf War. Finally I explore the changing nature of the standoff in the wake of Operation Iraqi Freedom and suggest that changes to US force structure and expectations signal the abandonment of a viable strategy. I conclude with the recommendation that US air forces should carefully consider future SEAD strategy in light of past successes. Furthermore whatever strategy they select requires careful synchronization with SEAD resources and objectives.</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><br>