The Air Force's ability to execute global attack is critical. The Air Force markets global attack as a key contribution to the nations military effort. The execution of global attack, partly necessary because of the decline of total force structure and worldwide bases, has put substantial stress on the Air Force's airmen. This monograph analyzes the physiological impacts that global attack execution puts on airmen. Beginning with an introduction to the doctrine and history, the monograph explains the evolution of global attack doctrine and the history perspective it evolved from. Having outlined the history and theory, the monograph looks at the most recent and profound example of global attack, Operation Allied Force. The B-2 "Spirit" bomber missions from Missouri to Kosovo and back provide a unique opportunity to analyze the adverse physiological impacts on the airmen. A focus on aircrew performance related to stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and adjustments to work- sleep schedules indicate the level of preparation and reveal the challenges they encountered. The ultimate goal is to determine if aircrews are prepared for the physiological affects they encounter during the execution of global attack. Additionally, it provides insight into the ability to counter the adverse affects and makes the lessons exportable to future Air Force missions. The study concludes that the Air Force did a suitable job of preparing its airmen for combating the physiological challenges. However, contrary to the claims of Air Force brass, the physical limits of global attack appear to have been reached. Future missions will require improvement in a number of areas physiologically impacting airmen. A list of topic areas applicable to global attack's future mission success concludes the monograph.

ADA 374695 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)