The potential threat of terrorist air attacks against the continental United States (CONUS) became painfully apparent on September 11, 2001. In addition to using commercial aircraft, terrorists may try to use general aviation aircraft (such as crop dusters armed with chemical or biological agents), cruise missiles, or man-portable heat-seeking missiles to attack the U. S. homeland. Dealing with such threats requires an unprecedented cooperative effort between military and civilian organizations. The U.S. Air Force, law enforcement authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration, airport security personnel, and many other agencies share responsibility for closing gaps in our national air defenses and for preventing and foiling future attacks. This study outlines ways in which the U.S. Air Force can take a leading role in these efforts. Critical steps include improving interagency collaboration and developing special concepts and methods to coordinate individual contributions to an overall national air defense posture. RAND Project AIR FORCE (PAF) examined the U.S. air defense posture before and after September 11. Researchers developed a framework to help the Air Force -- and government decisionmakers in general -- make reasonable investments in future air defenses that complement efforts by other agencies and optimize U.S. national resources.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite