This monograph examines the question: Should the CAS distribution process, as practiced under the ATO system be modified to task organize distributed USAF assets into the corps organization for a definite period of time or task? It proposes a doctrinal shift in the use of airpower to support corps operations. This monograph divides into sections that explain the current and proposed CAS distribution systems. Section One defines the Air Force and Army doctrine for apportioning air assets, and explains the doctrinal CAS distribution processes for corps-level operations. Section Two evaluates the current CAS distribution system. It begins with an analysis of CAS during the Gulf War, and then evaluates the CAS system with three of the Army doctrinal tenets as criteria: agility, synchronization, and initiative. The analysis concludes with a review of the Marine Corps TACAIR philosophy and organization. Section Three proposes a doctrinal modification that task organizes Air Force units directly to the corps. Section Four analyzes this modified system based on Air Force, Army and Marine doctrine. This section uses the same factors from Section Two to appraise the modified CAS system. Finally, the Conclusion resolves the monograph question.

ADA 294346 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.)