US AAC/AAF Doctrine: FM 1-15, Air Fighting, 1940 - 2: Tactical Plans

CHAPTER 2 TACTICAL PLANS

11. FORMULATION.-a. Success in air fighting depends upon

(1) Simple tactical plans.

(2) Correct selection of the tactical plan best suited to the situation.

(3) Method of execution of the plan.

b. In formulating these tactical plans, consideration should be given in particular to concentration, the offensive, surprise, and security.

12. SELECTION.-The correct selection of the tactical plan best suited to the situation is the special responsibility of the leader or commander of the forces concerned, and will depend upon the accuracy of his judgment and his faculty for quick and correct decision.

13. EXECUTION.-a. The subsequent success of the tactical plan will depend mainly upon the

(1) Skill and vigor of execution.

(2) Effective use of weapons.

(3) Power of maneuver.

Thorough familiarity with the plan by all members of the unit is necessary for its efficient execution.

b. The attack should be delivered with determination and pressed home to decisive ranges. Intensive drill in tactical maneuvers will increase the cohesion of the attacking formation and strengthen mutual understanding, rendering it possible to deliver sustained or repeated attacks with a minimum of confusion or loss of control and to produce the maximum concentration of fire at the decisive point.

14. DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS.--a. The tactical methods to be adopted in air fighting must be evolved, developed, and perfected prior to war. These methods should be the product of experience confirmed by constant practice and experiment in tactical exercises. They should be sufficiently flexible to facilitate rapid revisions necessitated by combat experience.

b. To be of any permanent and practical value in war, they should be few in number and simple of execution, so that the average pilot can become thoroughly familiar with them and efficient in their practice with the minimum amount of training.

c. The methods adopted should, therefore, be limited to those necessary to meet the varying conditions likely to be encountered in air fighting, and that suit the special tactical characteristics of the different types of aircraft which may be required to use them.

15. EFFECT OF ARMAMENT AND DESIGN ON AIR TACTICS.--a. Development in armament and design will lead to changes in air tactics. The success of a particular method of attack may be countered by the provision of armor or by the elimination of blind spots due to improvements in design.

b. The development of suitable fire-control systems may render the fire of heavier caliber guns more effective at longer ranges. All around fire may be improved by increasing the number of guns and gunners and reducing the interruptions of fire due to the structure of the aircraft. All these changes will tend to increase the offensive and defensive powers of aircraft and modify the tactical methods of attack and defense.