This study investigates the effectiveness of current Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) doctrine in relation to U.S. Army doctrine of air maneuver. The thesis' main focus is Corps and Division level SEAD operations in support of helicopters. Currently in Army doctrine, there is not a wide breadth of information concerning air maneuver. This is beginning to change. This study identifies key maneuver concepts that can apply to air maneuver. As air maneuver doctrine evolves, SEAD doctrine must also change to meet the new requirements that air maneuver brings to the battlefield. By using three case studies: Operations LAM SON 710, Urgent Fury, and Desert Storm, this study identifies SEAD requirements. These studies show that the firepower-only SEAD solution that the Army currently employs is inadequate. The most effective anti-helicopter weapons are difficult to target, causing shortcomings in the Army's fire support approach. Finally, this study concludes that the Army needs a broader approach to SEAD rather than relying solely on fire support. It needs closer integration of air maneuver into the overall plan, better command and control, different equipment, as well as a more prudent use of all fire support assets.

ADA 284691 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.)