The Sinews of Air Power: Ground Combat-Support Activities

Abstract

Although written in 1943,¹ Liddell Hart’s observation remains valid, at least in the sense that the supporting elements of any high-technology force are a potentially vulnerable point. Indeed, no type of armed force can wage war effectively without an adequate support organization. Thus, ground combat-support activities set the boundaries for what aviation forces can achieve as surely as do combat and combat air support capabilities.

The large ground organisation of a modern air force is its Achilles’ heel.

B.H. Liddell Hart