This study focuses on the current War on Terrorism as a conflict against insurgents attacking U.S. power wherever it shows itself through asymmetric means. The primary targets of late have been military and civilian convoy operations in Iraq and, to some extent, Afghanistan. By examining past examples of the use of air power in counterinsurgent warfare, this study will shed light on current failings in both U.S. equipment and doctrine in waging this type of war. The French used low-technology aircraft in Algeria to attack insurgent forces and defend ground troops. The aircraft that were employed were World War II-vintage T-6 and A-1 fighters that proved well adapted to the environment. These aircraft, and the manner in which they were deployed and employed, made the difference in containing and defeating the insurgents. In Vietnam, the United States employed T-28 and A-1 aircraft, as they were ideally suited to training the South Vietnamese Air Force and had a proven track record in this type of war. The United States should re-think its inventory of aircraft devoted to counterinsurgent war by looking at possible replacements for the A-1. This should be accompanied by a re-evaluation of the manner in which these assets are employed by having them located with the ground forces they are meant to support.


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