Rebuilding For Space

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• Rebuilding For Space

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Overview

• Rise of the Phoenix From Vietnam to the Gulf
  War
• Exploitation of Space
• Military Operations in the 80s
• Grenada
• Libya
• Panama
• Video

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Rise of the PhoenixLessons Learned in Combat

• Air superiority had to be earned immediately
• Gradualism was the path to disaster
• Air superiority required an investment in
  technology
• Technology had to be revolutionary rather than
  evolutionary
• Existing equipment had to be upgraded

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Rise of the PhoenixLessons Learned in Combat

• Vietnam concept wrong
• Large numbers of aircraft with low lethality
• Grinding approach to victory not politically
  attainable
• Never give the enemy time to recover after first
  attack

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Rise of the PhoenixWeapon Systems

• Two key fighters developed
• McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
• General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
• Close air support led to A-10 Thunderbolt
• Rockwell B-1B Lancer
• Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS)
• Peacekeeper Missile

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Rise of the PhoenixSecond Generation Weapons

• Stealth aircraft
• Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
• Northrop B-2 Spirit
• New airlifter
• McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster
• Boeing/Grumman E-8 Joint STARS
• New, advance fighter
• Lockheed Martin F-22

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The Exploitation of Space

• Although there has not yet been a significant
  groundswell to change the name of the junior
  service to the United States Aerospace Force, the
  resources devoted to space and the benefits
  derived from its exploitation make the change
  almost certain in the future.
• Walter J. Boyne

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Space Policy

• Gen Thomas White saw space as a continuum of our
  atmosphere
• Eisenhower proposes freedom of space
• Ensured over flight
• Created NASA
• Devoted to peaceful purposes
• Peaceful purposes did embrace defense missions

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Toward the Unknown

• Sputnik - the race begins
• Discoverer - strictly scientific exploration
• Corona
• Operated by USAF
• The heart of Corona

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Making the Unknown Known

• Navigation
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Missile Defense Alarm
• Defense Support Program (SRP)
• Space-based Infrared System (SBIRS)
• Communications
• Military Strategic and Tactical Relay (MILSTAR)
• AF Satellite Communications System (AFSATCOM)

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Making the Unknown Known

• Meteorology
• Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)
• Reconnaissance and Surveillance
• Black programs
• The National Reconnaissance Office

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Military Operations in the 80s
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GRENADA

• Prime Minister killed in coup in 83
• US objectives
• Protect US citizens, 1000 medical students
• Neutralize hostile Grenadian/Cuban elements
• Restore the legitimate government
• Operation Urgent Fury
• Army Rangers and 82nd Airborne Division
• Supported by Air Force resources

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GRENADA

• Lessons Learned
• All services must plan and coordinate jointly
  before the operation occurs
• Applying overwhelming force quickly is the key
  to victory

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LIBYA

• Mummar Qaddafi linked to terrorism and specific
  bombing of disco in Berlin
• Libyan targets struck in Apr 86
• Operation El Dorado Canyon
• AF F-111s
• Navy and Marine aircraft
• Four of five main targets severely damaged

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LIBYA

• Lessons Learned
• Superb joint coordination
• Able to strike terrorists
• Willing to strike terrorists

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PANAMA

• General Noriega
• Indicted on drug charges
• US forces harassed in the Canal Zone
• Implied threats to security of the Canal
• Marine Lt killed in an incident
• President Bush ordered Operation Just Cause

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PANAMA

• Objectives of Operation Just Cause
• Remove Noriega from power
• Safeguard the Panama Canal
• Restore the democratic government in Panama
• Dec 89 operation began
• AC-130 Spectre gunships used
• First use of F-117
• Noriega surrenders after seeking refuge in
  Vatican embassy

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PANAMA

• Lessons Learned
• Strike quickly with overwhelming force using
  mobility, surprise, and precision
• Army and Marines recognized the need for light
  deployable forces
• Joint coordination had vastly improved since
  Grenada

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Summary

• Rise of the Phoenix From Vietnam to the Gulf
  War
• Exploitation of Space
• Military Operations in the 80s
• Grenada
• Libya
• Panama
• Video