No Longer the Outlier: Updating the Air Component Structure
Abstract
Since the inception of the air operations center (AOC) during Operation Desert Storm, the command and control (C2) of airpower has evolved, but the mission has not changed. The Air Force continues to provide combatant commands (COCOM) with a highly competent air component that is capable of conducting and supporting air, space, and cyberspace operations within its assigned area of responsibility. The air component has succeeded at its primary mission of delivering airpower to the joint and coalition environment over the past 20-plus years in conflicts across the range of military operations.The air component has been an outlier, when compared to joint and other component staffs, in its unique ability to C2 military operations in multiple and diverse areas of operations simultaneously. Despite the success in doing so, there is room for improvement. Doctrine and guidance have been slow to adapt to changes in the joint environment. Past doctrinal distinctions between Air Force forces (AFFOR) and the AOC placed the air component at a disadvantage, or worst-case exclusion, when addressing COCOM and cross-component operational issues. Additionally,the distinct differences and separation of the AFFOR and AOC staffs previously articulatedin Air Force doctrine and instructions have created confusion and dysfunction for operational elements both inside and outside the air component. However, the November 2014 doctrine updates have opened the door to a new approach.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 23, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1003666
Entities
People
- C. Jr Q. Brown
- Rick Fournier
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory