[20011121]RS21020_持久自由行动：国会可能面临的空中力量问题.pdf

1FormoreinformationonOperationEnduringFreedom,seetheCRSElectronic BriefingBook,Terrorism,pageon“MilitaryResponses”athttp:/www.congress.gov/brbk/html/ebter80.html.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21020Updated November 21, 2001Operation Enduring Freedom: Potential AirPower Questions for Congressnameredac tedAnalyst in National DefenseForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThe United States is employing military air power in a variety of roles in theAfghanconflict.Congressmayhavequestionsconcerningtheeffectiveuseofairpower,includingwhichaircraftarelikelytobeinvolvedandhowtheyareused.Otherquestionsinclude what risks U.S. aircraft may face, potentialreadinessissues, logisticalchallenges, and the effectiveness of U.S. air forces against a “low-tech” enemy.Introduction1In light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center andthe Pentagon, the Bush administration has announced a new war on terrorism. Althoughthe administrations objectives are to counter terrorism globally, considerable attentionwill likely be focused on Osama bin Ladin, his Al Qaeda terrorist network, a