Close Air Support and the Soviet Threat

Publication Date: August 1982

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Jeffrey G. Barlow

Research Area: Military and defense

Keywords: Russia and Eurasia

Type: Report

Abstract:

Close air support (CAS) is defined by the Joint Chiefs of staff as !lair attacks against hostile targets which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces." At a time when the gap between NATO's and the Warsaw Pact's deployed military power is growing larger, it is vital to maintain sufficient close air support assets to help reduce the disparities in the military capability now favoring the Soviets.