Three Reasons Air Advising is Essential to America’s National Defense Strategy
Ryan Hill
The U.S. Air Force has five historic and strategic core missions: Air and Space Superiority, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Rapid Global Mobility, Global Strike, and Command and Control (C2).[1] These missions have served the nation well over the decades; however, as America changes its defense strategy, more may be required of its air service. The nation’s priority shift from countering terror to “long-term strategic competition†with near-peer competitors is a necessary measure; however, shifting priorities also involves shifting risk. As the U.S. seeks to avoid being outpaced and overtaken by global competitors, it is inherently and intentionally paying less attention to global terrorists. Doing so incurs additional risks in three primary areas: global destabilization by non-state actors, fading or replaced global influence, and the loss or atrophy of critical counterinsurgency and counterterror capabilities. In each case, the Air Force could play a major role in risk mitigation; however, this would require emphasis and growth in is Air Advising role, an area outside its five core missions. The Air Force has been conducting Air Advising operations for decades but has also sought to avoid being tied to it. Most of its advising is small-scale, ad hoc, or temporary in nature. This must change. Air Advising can play an essential role in reducing the risks incurred by the changes in the National Defense Strategy, but it will require the Air Force to embrace its Air Advising mission. The following is an explanation of each of the risks mentioned above and how Air Advising can be an effective instrument in mitigating each.
https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/three-reasons-air-advising-essential-americas-national-defense-strategy
