Case for the Deuce

The question "With the demand for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and effects at an all time high, is it prudent for the USAF to want to retire the U-2S high altitude reconnaissance aircraft and rely solely on the Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for high altitude ISR support?" is the premise of this paper. This paper questions the motives of USAF leaders in their decision to retire the U-2 and attempts to provide reasonable and logical answers. At times, the evidence supports a disturbing view of USAF intentions. The paper demonstrates how the historical example of keeping and investing in the A-10 allowed the Air Force to reverse directions and benefit the warfighter, a situation with many parallels to the U-2 debate of today. This paper recommends investing in new hardware for the U-2 and how changing tactics, techniques and procedures can make it a more lethal and more effective weapon system. If the Air Force is successful in retiring the U-2, this paper recommends transferring the U-2 to the U.S. Army. The research used to support the ideas in this paper comes from books, magazines, on-line articles and assorted government documents.