USAF Training for Night Close Air Support

The capability of the Air Force to support the land battle at night has historically been late in development and inadequate by most standards. This ineffectiveness has resulted from the attempt to use equipment intended for daylight missions by aircrews who were inadequately trained for the night operation. 'Can do' aviators improvised tactics and eventually developed relatively successful night attack and close air support techniques. The need for better night equipment and specialized night training was identified after every conflict, but inadequate night training and equipment deficiencies still contribute to the reduction of night close air support capabilities. If the Air Force is to be part of a credible deterrence, it must be perceived as having the capability to defeat an enemy whenever and wherever confronted. The capability to attack with accuracy at night remains a weak area. While the technology exists to improve that capability, the equipment is not employed in operational tactical aircraft, and tactical fighter pilots are not adequately trained for the night ground attack mission. In the light of the increasing threat to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the night doctrine and capabilities of the Warsaw Pact, a reevaluation of air power priorities is required. Even more important, pilots who are tasked for close air support must be better trained, and their aircraft must be better equipped to destroy enemy armored targets rapidly and effectively during the night attack.

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