Assignment 1: Air Defense Technology

Historically, armed forces adapt tactics and invent new defensive and offensive equipment as a response to adversaries’ technology. The invention of the airplane illustrates this type of advance. Military forces responded to the airplane’s ability to conduct reconnaissance, bomb targets, attack air and ground targets, and perform sustainment operations by developing air defense technology. In World War I, the United States conducted air defense operations using three-inch anti-aircraft guns. The Nazi German military developed airplanes capable of operating at higher altitudes. Subsequently, the U.S. Army developed the M1 AA 90mm gun possessing increased range. The M1 AA 90mm guns proved to be extremely effective and were decisive factors in Remagen Bridgehead and Battle of the Bulge engagements during World War II. Though the new guns proved more effective, technological superiority does not guarantee victory. Tactics contributed to great losses in the battle of Kasserine Pass during World War II. Tactics and use of assets contributed to the United States suffering great losses in the Battle of Kasserine Pass. Coalition forces comprised of United States and British military initiated Operation Torch in 1942. The coalition planned to divide the North and South parts of the German forces. The Allies, pushed back by Panzer …show more content…
Analysts believed the war to be winnable due to the following factors: bad weather, bad terrain, and the Christmas holiday. The Germans outnumbered the American forces. The initial attack by the Germans created a bulging shape on the front lines, henceforth, known as the Battle of the Bulge. Hitler successfully infiltrated the front by parachuting in spies. The infiltrators spoke fluent English and wore U.S. uniforms. They confused the troops by giving false directions, modifying road signs and disabling telephone