ChromeRadio Chrome360 | THE STORY OF AIR POWER | In Conversation | Stephen Renner & Thomas Hughes
Jan 14, 2018
Colonel Stephen Renner, a U.S. Air Force veteran and professor, teams up with military historian Thomas Hughes to explore the intricate world of air power. They discuss the evolution of strategic bombing and the hunt for 'golden targets.' The duo dives into air power's role in irregular warfare, showcasing humanitarian efforts like airlifts. As they decode the future of aerial combat, they emphasize the growing influence of drone warfare, urging military strategists to adapt to these rapid changes.
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B-52 Then and Now
- Renner notes the B-52 used in 1972 (Linebacker) and in recent Mosul/Syria operations.
- The airframe's similar, but modern munitions are far more accurate, shifting the challenge to target identification.
Targeting Philosophies
- Two targeting philosophies exist: affecting enemy will to fight (strategic) and capacity to fight (tactical).
- There's no consensus on which is more effective.
Linebacker 2 and Irregular Warfare
- Attacking industrial capacity can undermine both the enemy's ability and will to fight.
- The speakers discuss Linebacker 2 and the shift towards irregular warfare.