The general problem of the propagation of a plane harmonic electromagnetic wave through an ionized gas is considered, including collisions, some form of electron density distribution, and a magnetostatically induced anisotropy. The present state of the art is examined first, including an outline of the WKB approximation and a summary of electron density distributions for which complete wave theory solutions exist. Then, specific analytical solutions and appropriate numerical calculations are derived to evaluate the effect of the applied magnetic field on propagation. A detailed parametric investigation, several exemplary flight conditions, and a possible experimental shock-tube program are analyzed assuming a homogeneous plasma. Preliminary estimates of the effects of plasma inhomogeneities and nonuniformities in the magnetic field on propagation are obtained.