Will the Bomber Always Get Through? The Air Force and Its Reliance on Technology

<p>This study analyses the inherent dangers of relying too heavily or solely on one panacea technology to prosecute war strategy at the expense of other essential capabilities. The historically sound pillars of military success (the sword the shield and the support) have given victory to those who have used all three in a balanced synergistic manner. When due to over-reliance on a single technology one of these pillars is relegated to a lesser status or when one is marginalized the pendulum of the advantage may swing to the enemy or the enemy may successfully force a pendulum swing to his advantage. Before and during World War II the Air Corps' (and then Army Air Forces') unescorted high-altitude daylight precision bombing doctrine relied heavily on the B-17 weapons system to prosecute the industrial web strategy. This over-reliance on the B-17 weapons system technology slighted the shield pillar (long-range fighter escort) with devastating results as Germany was able to swing the pendulum of advantage in its favor. The post-World War II era witnessed heavy reliance on the technology of nuclear weapons. This reliance resulted in a weakening of not only the shield pillar but also the conventional sword. Hence when the Vietnam War began the Air Force was ill prepared to engage in non-nuclear conflict as North Vietnam was able to swing the pendulum of advantage in its favor.</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>