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Close Air Support In The Korean War

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Close Air Support in the Korean War
Although the concept of CAS was not new at the time the Korean War began in 1950, it evolved considerably during the conflict. There were distinct differences in the way it was implemented between the different branches of service. The newly formed US Air Force initially struggled to shift from its primary missions of air superiority and reconnaissance to the mission of CAS, a mission for which it was not equipped or trained to execute. The Marines and Navy were able to effectively adapt their lessons learned in the Pacific Theater of World War II, however, they initially struggled integrate into joint operations with the USAF. The Korean conflict also saw the widespread use of aircraft specifically designed …show more content…
Marine Corps General Keith McCutcheon, defined CAS as: “The use of aircraft as a close support weapon at the hands of the infantry commander, used against enemy forces and installations holding up the advance of his own forces.” (Stover, 2001) This definition best illustrates the Marine Corps mindset with respect to CAS and ultimately how it was employed across the branches of the U.S. military throughout the Korean conflict.
Between World War I and World War II, U.S. air capabilities had grown substantially. The Army, Navy and Marine Corps had all developed their own doctrine and aircraft with their specific missions in mind. While the Army Air corps had focused largely on strategic reconnaissance, bombing, and air superiority, the Marine Corps and Navy had devoted substantial resources to the development of CAS …show more content…
The primary fighter of the FEAF at the beginning of the Korean War was the F-80 Shooting Star. It was pressed in to service in reaction to the urgent need for CAS; however, its limited range and combat load left it at a distinct disadvantage to other aircraft in use at the time. These handicaps were typical of jet fighters of the time, although their speed left them less vulnerable to ground fire. As the front stabilized and suitable airfields became available on the peninsula, jets were used more and more to provide CAS as their range limitations posed less of an

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