CONDUCTING AVIATION FOREIGN INTERNAL DEFENSE WITHOUT COMBAT AIR ADVISORS
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Authors
Repsha, Thomas S.
Subjects
air
advising
SOF
Special Operations Forces
AFSOC
Air Force Special Operations Command
T-AOS
Theater Air Operations Squadron
CAA
Combat Air Advisor
advising
SOF
Special Operations Forces
AFSOC
Air Force Special Operations Command
T-AOS
Theater Air Operations Squadron
CAA
Combat Air Advisor
Advisors
Jamison, Thomas
Date of Issue
2024-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In the fall of 2022, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) divested of their Combat Air Advisor (CAA) program. CAAs will be replaced in part by a new “Theater Air Operations Squadron” (T-AOS) concept that will be attached to each AFSOC wing. These squadrons will each be regionally aligned, like Army Special Forces. T-AOSs will work with the respective Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) to campaign, compete, and win in strategic competition. This thesis explores the need for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Air Advisors like the CAA concept in an era of deterrence and gray zone competition. By examining Air Commando operations undertaken in Laos from 1962-1973 that enabled the Royal Laotian Government to build and maintain its air force to fight a communist insurgency, this thesis will demonstrate the value proposition of SOF air advisors in an era of competition. Having enabler teams established around them, SOF air advisors in the T-AOS will be better able to build partner capacity and capabilities necessary to counter the threats presented by our adversaries around the world. This approach to IW campaigning by a purposefully built unit is a vast improvement to the ad hoc setup of the Air Commandos in Laos.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.