Fighter Combat

314 UNLIMITED-AIRCRAFT TACTICSdoctrine also generally provides the quickest kills, which are critical in thehostile arena. When the fighters are committed to engage bogeys of superiorspeed, it is usually preferable to continue the engagement to its conclusionrather than attempt to escape and risk being caught and re-engageddefensively. The difficulty of escape must be given careful considerationwhen deciding whether to use strike-rejoin-strike methods against largenumbers of superior bogeys.Although the elements of a section or a division should generally plan toremain together for mutual support in the few-versus-many environment,a high probability exists that breakdowns will occur and pilots will findthemselves in a one-versus-many situation. Therefore, this contingencyshould be preplanned for, and the critical decision of whether to continuethe mission under those conditions should be made before takeoff. For thesame reason, pilots should be well trained in single-plane attack andsurvival techniques. GCI/AIC control and prearranged rendezvous pointsare valuable aids in reforming separated elements.Many-versus-ManyThe many-versus-many scenario denotes large and roughly equivalentnumbers of friendly and hostile fighters in the combat area. These fightersmay be on coordinated missions or simply be in the same arena by chance.Because large numbers of fighters are difficult to control, they are generallyoperated in sections or small divisions that are able to coordinate theirefforts to achieve a given objective. Each element can therefore operate justas in the few-versus-many case. All pilots should be trained in the sametechniques so that they can join with other friendly fighters and operatewith undiminished efficiency should they become separated from theirown wingmen in the heat of battle. All pilots should monitor the sameradio frequency for better coordination, but strict radio discipline is absolutelyessential if there is to be any hope of pilots receiving life-or-deathtransmissions.In fighter flying, a panic message is the greatest of all crimes. Practice on theground the exact words you will use to cover any situation in the air. Say itover and over again until it becomes automatic.Group Captain Reade Tilley, RAFAlthough strike-rejoin-strike methods are still preferable in mostmany-versus-many scenarios, the presence of more friendly fighters in thegeneral area makes engagement somewhat less risky. In addition, enemyfighters are likely to be less aggressive and less eager for extended engagementthan they are under previously discussed conditions. Loose deuceand gaggle tactics continue to be most effective in this environment.Additional elements should refrain from joining a mature engagement ofroughly equal opposing forces in which friendly fighters appear to beholding their own. A more effective tactic is to cruise outside the peripheryof such a fur ball, remain in a defensive posture, and be alert for bogeysexiting the fight and the arrival of additional hostile forces.