What is the aim of the AirLand Battle Doctrine?

The aim of the AirLand Battle Doctrine is to defeat numerical advantages in conventional forces. This doctrine was developed during the Cold War as a response to the potential for a large numerically superior adversary, particularly in the context of a possible conflict in Europe. The principle behind AirLand Battle is to integrate land and air operations in a way that takes full advantage of technology, maneuverability, and joint operations to overcome heavy enemy forces and to engage them decisively.

The doctrine emphasizes the importance of conducting operations at all levels—tactical, operational, and strategic—while focusing on the integration of air power with ground forces to create a dynamic and flexible response to battlefield challenges. It encourages rapid movement, continuous pressure on the enemy, and effective use of reconnaissance and intelligence to ensure that U.S. and allied forces can exploit weaknesses in the enemy's formations, thereby negating any numerical advantage they may possess. This approach promotes initiative, adaptability, and integration of various combat arms, allowing for overwhelming force at decisive points rather than engaging in attrition warfare.