Mark R Heusinkveld

Role of Light Attack / Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft in Counterinsurgency: a Comparative Case Study of Algeria and the Vietnam War Mark R Heusinkveld

Publisher Marketing: The need for a Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft in counterinsurgency (COIN) is a topic that will often be debated as the conflict in Afghanistan continues and the United States Air Force (USAF) looks at how it can use airpower to continue to support the fight. For this reason, a study of the use of LAAR aircraft in the past is important. Presented in this thesis are two historical case studies of past LAAR aircraft used in counterinsurgencies: the French Air Force in Algeria and the USAF in the Vietnam War. Both provide examples of distinct command and control arrangements with similar timeframe and aircraft types. Both case studies provide insight to the effectiveness and efficiency of LAAR aircraft in those conflicts. This thesis questions if the LAAR aircraft's capabilities increased overall mission accomplishment and were these increases directly attributable to the LAAR performance. The thesis also studies the evolution of LAAR aircraft as the conflicts progressed. With an understanding of the types, command and control, and effectiveness of LAAR aircraft in counterinsurgencies, this thesis concludes with recommendations for future research in order to make an informed decision about LAAR aircraft in the future.