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How did Gen Carl Spaatz define strategic bombing?

An independent air campaign aimed at the enemy's ability to make war.

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  1. Planes flying close support for ground troops
  2. Dropping supplies to friendly forces
  3. An independent air campaign against an enemy's war-making capacity ✔

Why: Spaatz described strategic bombing as an air campaign of its own, meant to be decisive, aimed at the factories and systems an enemy needs to fight. It does not just support soldiers on the ground.

Huh, didn't know that: Spaatz wrote that bomber units return to base after each mission instead of holding a position in battle.

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Why did the bomber pilot carry a map? He didn't want to wing it.
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References

Answer: An independent air campaign against an enemy's war-making capacity. Spaatz described strategic bombing as an air campaign of its own, meant to be decisive, aimed at the factories and systems an enemy needs to fight. It does not just support soldiers on the ground.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 4: Strategic Perspectives, reading 14.1, Strategic Airpower: Fulfillment of a Concept (Gen Carl A. Spaatz) (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Volume_4_Web_4028F891F0A14.pdf
    an independent air campaign, intended to be decisive, and directed against the essential war-making capacity of the enemy.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Leadership & CadetsGen Spaatz said Germany misused its fighters in the Battle of Britain. What was the mistake?Leadership & CadetsBombers from many bases all strike one target at the same time. Which principle of war is that?Leadership & CadetsLooking back on World War II, what did Gen Spaatz say about airpower winning the war by itself?

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