The Air Force Role in Low-Intensity Conflict: Morocco-Polisario War, Special Air Warfare Center

Colonel Dean examines the increasing importance of third world countries in global affairs. Their vital natural resources and geostrategic locations make them the object of intense competition between the superpowers and a ripe target for a new category of conflict. Because of the high probability of US involvement in third world conflicts, we must adapt our resources to acquire the flexibility demanded by low-intensity conflict.

CONTENTS * FOREWORD * PREFACE * Chapter 1 * LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT: WHAT IS IT AND WHY SHOULD IT CONCERN THE USAF? * Low-Intensity Conflict Defined * Special Characteristics of Low-Intensity Conflict * Operational Terms Relating to Low-Intensity Conflict * Future Conflicts * Dealing with Future Conflict * Notes * Chapter 2 * AIR POWER IN SMALL WARS: THE BRITISH AIR CONTROL EXPERIENCE * Air Control's Genesis * Air Control: From Concept to Doctrine * The Requirements of British Air Control * Air Control and Today's US Air Force * Notes * Chapter 3 * THE MOROCCO-POLISARIO WAR: A CASE STUDY OF A MODERN LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT * Resources and Topography of Western Sahara * Moroccan Claims and Stakes in Western Sahara * The Polisario Front * Algeria * Mauritania * Libya * France * The United States * Peripheral Players * The War's Importance * Evolution of the War * Notes * Chapter 4 * THE ROYAL MOROCCAN AIR FORCE AND UNITED STATES' ASSISTANCE * The Royal Moroccan Air Force in Moroccan Politics * Building Up the Royal Moroccan Air Force * The Force * Limitations of the RMAF * United States Assistance to the Royal Moroccan Air Force * Meeting the SA-6 Threat * Notes * Chapter 5 * MILITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICTS: LESSONS FROM MOROCCO * Imprecise US Policies and Objectives * Basic Requirements for Assisting a Third World Air Force * Levels of Potential Air Force Participation * Notes * Chapter 6 * EARLY LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT EFFORTS BY THE USAF: THE SPECIAL AIR WARFARE CENTER * Foundation of Air Force Role in Low-Intensity Conflict * In Search of an Air Force Role in Small Wars * Creation of Jungle Jim * The Special Air Warfare Center: Its Origin, Expansion, and Growth * A Time of Organizational Change * Vietnam Devours Special Air Warfare Center Assets * Lessons from the Special Air Warfare Center * Notes * Chapter 7 * A PLAN FOR USAF PARTICIPATION IN LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT * Committing the Organization * Doctrine and Philosophy * A Special Air Warfare Center for Today's World * Looking Ahead * Notes