Command and Control of the NATO Central Region Air Forces
Abstract
The NATO Central Region Air Command and Control (C2) structure is examined, focusing on the period from the creation of Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AAFCE) in the mid-1970s to the present. This paper will show how the factors of consensus, forces, and the strategy of flexible response influenced the evolution of the C2 structure. Of these factors, consensus is the mose important, and the ability to achieve consensus will be determining factor if any change to the present structure is to occur in the future. The author's contention is that there are too many layers of command and control within the central region. Options for simplifying the C2 structure have not been supported by a consensus of opinion, except for a movement to combine Sector Operations Centers with Allied Tactical Operations Centers throughout the Central Region. Proposals to delete a layer of command, have not received broad support. Arguments exist for deleting either the Allied Tactical Air Forces (the authors choice) or AAFCE, as fully manned headquarters. The conclusion points out that, as there is no consensus on what to do, the C2 structure will probably remain unchanged. (KR)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217946
Entities
People
- Gerard L. Rifenburg
Organizations
- Air War College