This monograph traces the evolution of the Theater Air Control System from World War One through the Vietnam War, searching for the enduring characteristics of successful Theater Air Control Systems in large-scale combat operations. Case studies of the Korean and Vietnam Wars provide examples for testing the structure and doctrine of the air control system in each conflict. More important than the structure and doctrine in use for each war was the training, equipping, and manning of the systems in the years and months leading to combat. Transitioning from almost two decades of lower intensity counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations to a focus on large-scale combat operations, US military leaders face the same issues and problems presented to leaders following World War Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

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.)