Army Airspace Command and Control (A2 C2) and the Contingency Tactical Air Control System Automated Planning System (CTAPS): Is There a Joint Method to this Parochial Madness?
Abstract
In a theater of operations, Army access to airspace not under its direct control is difficult to obtain. The increasing number of intelligence, aviation, and long range fires systems organic to the Army, that require the routine use of airspace above the coordination altitude and beyond the fire support coordination line (FSCL), require greater and easier access to airspace usually controlled by the joint forces air component commander (JFACC). Without this access, critical intelligence collection requirements go unanswered, and Army aircraft readiness rates are lowered because of limitations to test flights and the slower delivery of repair parts. The processes and procedures that do exist are the result of after thought and workarounds. Doctrine dealing with the issue is vague and sometimes contradictory. An examination airspace command and control in a wartime theater of operations is undertaken using the Training and Doctrine Command's (TRADOC) doctrine, training, leadership development, organization, material, and soldiers (DTLOMS) model. The doctrinal evaluation includes a review of Army, joint and Air Force publications dealing with requests for Army use of airspace not under its direct control. Key players and their responsibilities are identified upon creation of ajoint task force (JTF), and the subsequent appointment of a JFACC. Deficiencies in training, leadership development, organization, material, and soldier utilization are discussed as they apply to the current A C and battlefield coordination element (BCE) structures. A2C2 lessons learned and recently published periodicals are examined from operations JUST CAUSE, DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM, and from joint exercises since then. The difficulty Army assets experience accessing joint airspace is well documented and, for the most part, remains unchanged. The difficulties and general lack of familiarit
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA314281
Entities
People
- Michael W. Drumm
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College