In all of our recent military conflicts we've enjoyed air supremacy. America takes that for granted now. Iraq may serve as a model for the future. Initially, their air defenses and even their air force (GWI) had to be defeated. F15s for air to air and bombing meant F117s and B2s. Once air defenses are gone older platforms, e.g. B-52s, can deliver the ordnance.
Perhaps the F22s can serve as the leading edge but not the "occupation force".
63 posted on 01/01/2009 7:55:33 AM PST by Dilbert56
(Harry Reid, D-Nev.: "We're going to pick up Senate seats as a result of this war.")