air power doctrine and the iaf detailed objectives. Tactical doctrine prescribes how roles and tasks are to be carried out and is usually published in manuals such as those brought out by the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). For example if Mirage-2000 aircraft are flying escort to an airfield attack package, then tactical doctrine would indicate how the Mirage 2000s would be integrated and co-ordinated within the force package. THE DOCTRINAL LOOP A doctrine is formulated on the basis of inputs. The output would then provide the framework within which viable military capability can be developed. These capabilities would require validation through peace-time exercises or war experiences so that the feedback could be employed to refine the doctrine further. The doctrinal loop is pictorially depicted below. Doctrine Inputs National Military Objectives Perceived Threats Lessons of War Military Capability Feed Back Combat Experiences Training results Exercises Outputs Organisation Force structure Training Plans Capabilities Fig. 1: The Doctrine Loop DOCTRINE AND TECHNOLOGY Doctrine is derived from the past and developed in the present for application in the future. Its true benefit is not what it tells us about the past, but what it suggests about the future. The doctrinal process therefore should analyse and influence the course of new and developing 27