Command and Control of Limited Airborne Reconnaissance Assets
Abstract
Recent changes in the Unified Command Plan and overall Department of Defense reorganization have greatly altered command and control arrangements for intelligence and reconnaissance forces, but the changes have been problematical. Limited reconnaissance assets offer unique capabilities but also pose unique support and employment constraints. They have capabilities needed in peacetime, crisis and war. Because of their limited numbers, they present a dilemma for those trying to balance increasing peacetime demands for intelligence with training and preparation for war. Prior to the recent change in command and control procedures, CINCSAC (now CINCSTRAT) exercised operational control (OPCON) of all strategic reconnaissance forces (U-2, RC-135 and SR-71). This system worked well in satisfying peacetime collection requirements and for overall program management but failed to support theater CINCs' requirements for exercise support and preparation for war. Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm demonstrated that new procedures were needed. As a result of Desert Shield/ Desert Storm lessons learned and reductions in force structure and organization generally, theater CINCs were given OPCON over strategic reconnaissance forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA263915
Entities
People
- Kenneth W. Womack
Organizations
- United States Army War College