Purple Air Power: The Future Challenge

s we peer into the crystal ball, it seems clear that in the future all major military operations are likely to involve some combination of land, sea and aviation forces, albeit rarely in equal measure. Different strategic and operational situations will demand different force structures, but in every case it will be essential to identify the lead force element so that the other force elements can be used to best effect in its support. Traditionally, armies have always been seen as the lead force element in land operations and navies in maritime operations. Yet in the future, it is increasingly probable that air power will be the military instrument of first choice for governments, not only for waging war, but also for preventing it. Three key factors support this assertion.