United States Air Force Counterinsurgency Operations Capabilities, the Ground Dimension

This paper will first provide a brief overview of COIN operations and show how Airmen are engaged in COIN operations on the ground. Discussions in this area will highlight how Airmen operate in the non-linear battle-space and are an invaluable asset to the battle-space owner (BSO). Discussion will then move to current COIN doctrine, showing a lack of USAF ground specific guidance. Next, this paper will discuss current training for Airmen operating in the deployed environment, showing a lack of preparedness for Airmen to be effective in COIN operations on the ground. The paper will conclude with recommendations including the need to update existing doctrinal guidance, a push to enhance training with regard to COIN operations, as well as a recommendation for developing a wing level organizational structure to support COIN operations on the ground.