One of Col Warden's controversial ideas is that airpower permits the virtual occupation of enemy territory by aircraft without requiring a potentially entangling and costly ground occupation. In view of declining defense budgets, the US public's low casualty tolerance, and the prevalence of regional wars and conflicts, air occupation is a tempting policy option. To conduct an effective air occupation, the military should understand how to perform air occupations and ensure required equipment and trained personnel are available.
Air superiority is fundamental to air occupations.
From 1993 to 1996, America attempted an air occupation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The US and NATO were not prepared for the occupation, but they improvised a successful operation. American and coalition forces can improve their air superiority in the next air occupation through adherence to a joint air occupation doctrine, proper training, and improved equipment. Currently, American armed forces do not have an air occupation doctrine. In the next air occupation, the possession of a joint doctrine will clarify operations and provide a foundation for employment.