Airpower in the War against ISIS

Airpower in the War against ISIS examines the planning and conduct of Operation Inherent Resolve by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) from August 2014 to mid-2018, focusing on the contributions of U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT). Benjamin S. Lambeth argues that CENTCOM's inaccurate assessment of ISIS led to an inappropriate counterinsurgency strategy and restrictions on the use of precision air assets, resulting in the war's costly and excessive duration.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 30 March 2021
\n Publisher: Naval Institute Press
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Airpower in the War against ISIS: A Comprehensive Examination

The book "Airpower in the War against ISIS" delves into the intricate planning and execution of Operation Inherent Resolve by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) from August 2014 to mid-2018, with a primary focus on the significant contributions of U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT). Benjamin S. Lambeth argues that the prolonged and costly nature of the war can be attributed to CENTCOM's inaccurate assessment of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Instead of recognizing ISIS as the emerging proto-state it truly was, CENTCOM mistakenly categorized it as a resurrected Iraqi insurgency. This misguided decision led to the implementation of an inappropriate counterinsurgency strategy and the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the effective utilization of CENTCOM's precision air assets.

Lambeth, through meticulous analysis of recent history, compellingly argues that CENTCOM made a grave error by not deploying its substantial air assets at the very beginning of the effort. Instead of solely supporting Iraq's initially noncombat-ready ground troops, CENTCOM should have launched an independent and uncompromising strategic interdiction campaign against ISIS's most vital center-of-gravity targets in Syria from the outset. By leveraging its airpower capabilities, CENTCOM could have crippled ISIS's capabilities, disrupted its operations, and significantly weakened its ability to threaten regional stability.

The book sheds light on the critical role played by AFCENT in the war against ISIS. It highlights the deployment of advanced airpower platforms, such as the F-22 Raptor and the A-10C Thunderbolt II, which were instrumental in carrying out precision strikes against ISIS targets. These aircraft, equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems, allowed CENTCOM to strike with precision and lethality, minimizing civilian casualties and maximizing the impact of air operations.

Furthermore, the book explores the challenges and complexities faced by CENTCOM in managing the air campaign. It discusses the need for coordination and synchronization between different military branches, as well as the challenges of operating in complex and unstable environments. The book also sheds light on the political and diplomatic considerations that influenced CENTCOM's decision-making process, including the need to maintain international support and avoid exacerbating regional conflicts.

In conclusion, "Airpower in the War against ISIS" is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the role of airpower in modern warfare. By examining the planning and conduct of Operation Inherent Resolve, the book provides insights into the critical factors that influenced the success or failure of air operations in countering ISIS. It serves as a cautionary tale for military leaders and policymakers, highlighting the importance of accurate assessment, appropriate strategy, and effective utilization of airpower assets in achieving military objectives.

\n Weight: 620g\n
Dimension: 157 x 237 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781682475577\n \n