Effects-Based Targeting : Another Empty Promise?

By Major T. W. Beagle Jr., USAF

Book Id: WPLBN0002170687
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.4 MB
Reproduction Date: 10/22/2012

Title:	Effects-Based Targeting : Another Empty Promise?
Author:	Major T. W. Beagle Jr., USAF
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Military Science, Effects Based Targeting
Collections:	Technology, Science Fiction Collection, Military Science, Authors Community, Naval Science, Political Sociology, Literature, Political Science, History
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	Air University Press

Member Page:	Air University Press
Citation APA MLA Chicago T. W. Beagle Jr., Usa, B. M. (n.d.). Effects-Based Targeting : Another Empty Promise?. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.cc/

Description
This study asks how effectively has the USAF incorporated the concept of effects-based operations into its procedures for targeting and combat assessment. To answer this question, the study defines effects-based targeting, asserting that commanders should direct airpower against targets in ways that produce specific, predetermined, military, and political effects. This study explores the historical development of effects-based targeting theory and then conducts a focused comparison of four major air operations—Pointblank, Linebacker II, Desert Storm, and Allied Force—in order to survey US airpower’s actual combat experience with regard to effects-based operations. This study determines that senior decision makers have always been interested in creating specific effects rather than simply destroying targets; however, as a whole, the USAF has been inconsistent in employing effects-based operations across the spectrum of conflict.

Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . 1 2 EFFECTS-BASED TARGETING: WHAT IS IT? . . . . 5 3 THE THEORETICAL BASIS . . . . . 15 4 OPERATION POINTBLANK . . . . 23 5 OPERATION LINEBACKER II . . . . 35 6 OPERATION DESERT STORM . . . . . 51 7 OPERATION ALLIED FORCE . . . . 69 8 CONCLUSIONS, FINDINGS, AND IMPLICATIONS . . . . . 85