This monograph discusses the role of the U.S.A.F. F-15E "Strike Eagle" in providing air support for the Army AirLand Battle-Future concept. This advanced and highly capable aircraft has achieved operational capability with two tactical fighter squadrons and will be a major source of air support in any future conflict. The U.S. Air Force has supported the Army AirLand Battle (ALB) doctrine since its inception in 1982. A revision to this doctrine, tentatively called AirLand Battle-Future (ALB-F) is a concept that will require close integration with TacAir assets The F-15E can provide precision long range fires to support Army combat units using ALB-F concept. This monograph looks at five major areas: first, air power theory and doctrine: second, the ALB-F concept: third, the F-15E "Strike Eagle" capabilities; fourth a comparison of current TacAir fighter aircraft with the F-15E; fifth, a discussion of the best uses of the F-15E under the ALB--F concept. The study concludes that the F-15E could be used in any of the four major TacAir missions. The aircraft should be used first in the counter air role to gain air superiority. The aircraft should then be tasked to support ground forces by attacking BAI targets. The aircraft could also be used as a dedicated aircraft to accomplish suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions. The aircraft certainly will be used to accomplish air interdiction. Lastly, the aircraft could provide close air support for ground forces.

ADA 251854 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.)