That presents two problems.
First, they are inherently much less accurate than the guided ones and it will require probably 20x as many to even approach the same effectiveness on a target and that will cut even further into our basic war stocks. Second, our aircrews are not nearly as well trained in dropping these dumb bombs as they used to be, so their tactical accuracy will be even worse than years ago when we used them almost exclusively and guys ere well trained in their use.
It is better, cheaper, and more effective to ramp up the production of the guidance packages (or the bomb bodies if that is where the shortage lies) if that can be done. If not, carefully ration the existing bombs for essential uses only and use other munitions when possible until more stocks become available. Until then, our overall effectiveness on the battlefield will be degraded somewhat.
No doubt we can thank Obama and his nincompoop DOD for the shortages. As usual, the policies of this wretched man and the Democrat Party will continue to unnecessarily cost more American lives and a degraded military structure for quite some years yet. It will take time to fix this.
Gritty, have you any knowledge of stepped up training of those who will deploy these weapons? If you say they are not as well trained as in the past, has the new Defense Sec made changes? I have begun to hear bombing practice at a nearby location to me. In the 80’s, the booms were frequent. Under Clinton, only heard them prior to raids on aspirin factories.
Under Obama hardly at all. I’m hoping Trump is undoing the mess. Thanks in advance. TW