United States Strategic Bombing Survey and Air Force Doctrine

This study analyzes the impact of the United States Strategic Bombing Survey (USSBS) on the post World War II doctrine of strategic bombing. It begins with an investigation of pre-war theory and doctrine with special emphasis on the Air Corps Tactical School. While this organization developed an elaborate theory of strategic bombing, key assumptions, especially in light of current technology, led to shortfalls in its applicability to war. From here the study transitions to the USSBS. The first objective was to show that the findings of the USSBS were based on fact rather than bias. Next, the pertinent findings of the USSBS were analyzed. With the findings in hand, post World War II doctrine was analyzed to assess whether the Air Force included the important conclusions from the USSBS in their doctrine. The findings were that the Air Force did heed the recommendations in part, but also let some recommendations fall by the wayside. The study ends by making recommendations for the future toward the importance of developing a post-war survey team framework prior to war, so that they are poised to execute on a moment's notice. Additionally, comments are made to support the idea that civilian participation in a military survey team is as important today as it was in World War II.