This study examines the ability of the upgraded A-10 to effectively support the Army's interim force in the year 2010. The A-10A Thunderbolt II is the first and only USAF aircraft specifically designed to provide close air support to friendly ground forces. Designed in the 1960s to provide inexpensive close air support during the Cold War, the A-10 is now programmed to remain in service until 2028. To counter inevitable obsolescence, the PE modification will add data link, targeting pod, and smart weapon capabilities to the A-10 beginning in 2005. The U.S. Army is transitioning to a lighter, more strategically agile force to respond more quickly to global challenges. The vanguard of this transformation is the Interim Brigade Combat Team, a highly mobile, technologically advanced maneuver force. Without many of the traditional fire support assets of heavier forces, these new units will depend heavily on joint fires while responding to the full spectrum of military operations. With the proposed modifications, the A-10 will possess the capabilities required to successfully integrate into the future battle space and support advanced ground forces, while still retaining its original visual and close-in support capabilities.

ADA 406850 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.)