Tactics and Techniques of Close Air Support Operations 1961 - 1973

This historical study deals with U.S. Air Force closeair support operations within the Republic of Vietnam, with the emphasis on tactics and techniques. The author. Lt. Col. Ralph Rowley, previously wrote two monographs dealing with the important role played by Forward Air Controllers (FAC's) in South Vietnam. In this study, he examines such operations from the viewpoint of the pilots and crews of the attack aircraft. These included T-28's, A-1E's, A-26's, A-7's, F-100's, B-26's and B-57's. The role of Air Force gunships--the AC-47, AC-119, and the AC-130--and the armed FAC also are discussed by the author. In addition, he describes the key role played by the Tactical Air Control System, which the Air Force established in Vietnam in the early 1960's. Colonel Rowley's monograph is the twentieth classified historical study on the war published by the Office of Air Force History since 1962.