CMH Pub. 70-31. Army Historical Series. Examines the institutional origins of modern Army Aviation by recounting the experiences of the men who flew observed fire missions, or Air Observations Posts (AOP) in light aircraftfor the Field Artillery during World War 2. Identifies the circumstances and debate that gave rise to the AOP program.

CMH Pub. 70-31. Army Historical Series. Examines the institutional origins of modern Army Aviation by recounting the experiences of the men who flew observed fire missions, or Air Observations Posts (AOP) in light aircraftfor the Field Artillery during World War 2. Identifies the circumstances and debate that gave rise to the AOP program.

Eyes of Artillery is the first archive-based in-depth study of the institutional origins of modern Army Aviation during World War II. The close-support technique of choice featured airborne eyes and ground artillery. In recounting the experiences of the men who flew observed fire missions in light aircraft, Edgar F. Raines Jr. takes care to delineate how these aircraft-"air observations posts" in War Department parlance, "Maytag Messerschmidts" or "biscuit bombers" to the ground troops-effectively interacted with each element of the combined arms team, thus becoming an integral team player. A valuable resource for students of institutional change, his volume makes a genuine and unique contribution to the literature of World War II.

NOTE: NO FURTHER DISCOUNT FOR THIS PRINT PRODUCT--OVERSTOCK SALE -- Significantly reduced list price Examines the institutional origins of modern Army Aviation by recounting the experiences of the men who flew observed fire missions, or Air Observations Posts (AOP) in light aircraft for the Field Artillery during World War II. Identifies the circumstances and debate that gave rise to the AOP program. This volume is part of the Army Historical Series that may be useful to professional military leaders, military science students, and AP History high school students studying World War II. Related Products: World War II resources collection can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/us-military-history/battles-wars/world... Spearhead of Logistics: A History of the United States Army Transportation Corps is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00597-2?ctid=143 Fueling the Fires of Resistance: Army Air Forces Special Operations in the Balkans During World War 2 is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-070-00699-5 Anzio Beachhead, January 22 - May 25, 1944 Print Paperback format is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00199-3 United States Army in World War 2, The Technical Services, The Ordnance Department, On Beachhead and Battlefront -Hardcover/Cloth format is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00030-0 Omaha Beachhead (6 June-13 June 1944) --Print Paperback Format is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00128-4 Stalingrad to Berlin: Defeat in the East Print Paperback format is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/008-029-00160-8 "

Originally published in 2000 by the United States Army Center of Military History. Examines the institutional origins of modern Army Aviation by recounting the experiences of the men who flew observed fire missions, or Air Observations Posts (AOP) in light aircra ft for the Field Artillery during World War II. Identifies the circumstances and debate that gave rise to the AOP program.

This concise history chronicles the role of military recon, from the ancient warfare of Greeks and Romans to the operations of modern scout snipers. Since the earliest recorded military history, scouting and reconnaissance have been key tools for military commanders in order to make tactical decisions. As military strategy, weapons, and equipment developed over the centuries, methods of scouting and reconnaissance evolved as well but were never discarded. This short history paints a revealing picture of the art of military scouting and reconnaissance. From the secret sciritae of the Spartans and the scouts employed by Julius Caesar to the Middle Ages, Napoleonic Wars, and modern era of scout snipers and special forces units, this volume covers the evolution of recon operations across centuries of conflict.

The impact of the unsung heroes of WWI—“a must for any aviation enthusiast to further complement work on aerial reconnaissance in modern warfare” (Roads to the Great War), Beyond the heroic deeds of the fighter pilots and bombers of World War I, the real value of military aviation lay elsewhere; aerial reconnaissance, observation, and photography impacted the fighting in many ways, but little has been written about it. Balloons and airplanes regulated artillery fire, infantry liaison aircraft followed attacking troops and the retreats of defenders, aerial photographers aided operational planners and provided the data for perpetually updated maps, and naval airplanes, airships, and balloons acted as aerial sentinels in a complex anti-submarine warfare organization. Reconnaissance crews at the Battles of the Marne and Tannenberg averted disaster. Eyes All Over the Sky fully explores all the aspects of aerial reconnaissance and its previously under-appreciated significance. Also included are the individual experiences of British, American, and German airmen—true pioneers of aviation warfare. “With an interesting selection of photos, the book is not only an excellent reference—it is historically important.” —Classic Wings “This well-researched history belongs on the shelf of anyone with a serious interest in the air war or the ground war of 1914-1918.” —Steve Suddaby, former president of the World War One Historical Association