AP 507(S) - Interwar Theory for Strategic Bombing

OVERVIEW

The strategic air offensive against Germany defined the US Air Force in both history and memory. It was the most complex air offensive ever undertaken. Thus, the Army Air Forces had a steep learning curve and had to do so in real-time. Operations did not mirror planning. Regardless, American airmen mounted an all-out air offensive against German civilian, military, industrial, petroleum, synthetic fuels, and transportation targets in an effort to destroy Germany’s ability to continue armed resistance. The achievements of the Army Air Forces in the Combined Bomber Offensive directly impacted its subsequent institutional independence.

OBJECTIVES
 * 1) Analyze the pre-war strategic air plan for World War II.
 * 2) Compare the strategic plan with the tactical performance of bombers, 1942-1943.
 * 3) Examine the early lessons of the Combined Bomber Offensive for modern campaigns.