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, with a primary focus on the contributions of U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT). Benjamin S. Lambeth argues that the war's costly and excessive duration resulted from CENTCOM's inaccurate assessment of ISIS as a resurrected Iraqi insurgency rather than recognizing it as a proto-state. This erroneous decision led to the application of an inappropriate counterinsurgency strategy and the use of rules of engagement that imposed unnecessary restrictions on the most effective use of precision air assets. Lambeth argues that CENTCOM erred by not using its air assets at the outset to support Iraq's initially noncombat-ready ground troops and in an independent and uncompromising strategic interdiction campaign against ISIS's most vital center-of-gravity targets in Syria.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

The War against ISIS: A Comprehensive Examination of Airpower

Operation Inherent Resolve, a pivotal military campaign led by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) from August 2014 to mid-2018, is examined in depth in the book Airpower in the War against ISIS. The author, Benjamin S. Lambeth, argues that the war's prolonged and costly duration was largely due 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 most effective use of CENTCOM's precision air assets.

Lambeth's book delves into the critical moments of the campaign, highlighting the errors made by CENTCOM and the opportunities that were missed. Through expert analysis of recent history, the author compellingly argues that CENTCOM erred in not utilizing its substantial air assets at the outset. Instead of solely supporting Iraq's initially noncombat-ready ground troops, Lambeth suggests that CENTCOM should have launched an independent and uncompromising strategic interdiction campaign against ISIS's most vital center-of-gravity targets in Syria from the very beginning of the effort.

The book also sheds light on the contributions of U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) to the campaign. AFCENT played a pivotal role in executing air strikes against ISIS targets, utilizing a range of aircraft and munitions to achieve strategic objectives. The author highlights the effectiveness of AFCENT's operations, particularly in targeting ISIS leadership, logistics, and communication centers.

Furthermore, Lambeth examines the broader implications of the war against ISIS, including the geopolitical implications of the U.S. involvement in the region and the challenges faced by coalition partners. The book offers valuable insights into the complexities of counterinsurgency warfare and the importance of effective airpower in achieving military objectives.

In conclusion, Airpower in the War against ISIS is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the planning and conduct of Operation Inherent Resolve. Through meticulous research and analysis, Benjamin S. Lambeth sheds light on the errors made by CENTCOM and highlights the opportunities that were missed. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of counterinsurgency warfare and the critical role of airpower in achieving military objectives.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781557501820