Category Archives: Analysis
Looking back at the OPFORs
In the early 1990s, the US Army released a set of documents describing the “capabilities-based OPFOR” (Opposing Force), a stand-in enemy force that could be used in training exercises. The documents describe the organization and tactics of both a “Heavy” and “Light” OPFOR nation. As reference tools, they remain extremely valuable. While obviously dated given […]
Air Power in Civil Wars
There have been many good reasons why air-to-air combat remains the near-exclusive domain of nation-states. Even the earliest and/or simplest aircraft require trained pilots and ground crews that are not exactly in the greatest supply, and to use them requires a complex supply chain. Because of this difficulty, the one proven route to the deployment […]
A-10 and the Future of US Close Air Support
The A-10 is a program that the USAF loves to try and cancel, and recently there was a big push for it. Chopping entire fleets of aircraft saves an awful lot of money, and they needed the crews to help with the F-35A entry into service. However, the A-10 is a much loved airplane, and […]
Unintended Rapid Raptor Deployment
The Air Force has recently began training for so-called “Rapid Raptor” deployments-plans to move a small unit of their deadliest fighters to any dangerous area very quickly. While I might have heard the Rapid Raptor name, until recently it wasn’t in my mind. That is, except when I made a scenario where just that occurs. […]
Armée de l’Air 101
Trying to figure out French Air Force units’ name meaning can result in a serious headache so here’s a quick guide that will hopefully alleviate the pain. Let’s start with an example: “EC 03.004 Limousin“. EC: is the “role” acronym. More on that later. 03.004: here are the “Escadron” (squadron) designation followed by its original “Escadre” (Wing) one, so this squadron […]
Possibilities of Sortie Generation Rate Modelling
The ability to change sortie rates from “Surge” (faster) to “Sustained” in 1.06 of Command has been very beneficial. For the player wanting to be a munchkin/enthusiast, flipping “quick-turn-around” to on and enjoying a rapid back-and-forth between base and target can be enjoyable, as the aircraft strikes three times in three hours. For the player […]
The Pentagon Reformers
The Reformers went by many names, “Pentagon Reformers”, “Military Reformers”, the “Defense Reform Movement”, and probably others, although the last was the most common. Coming to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, they unsuccessfully challenged the buildup of military equipment in the Reagan and later Carter administrations. Accurate, fair accounts of the Reformers […]