Airborne C2 and the Operational Commander: A Framework for Effective Utilization.
Abstract
Command and control of air operations has long been a source of contention among the services. Air Force philosophy has frequently been at odds with that of the Navy and Army. In the years following Desert Storm, significant progress has been made in thrashing out communications difficulties and service representation problems. Solutions, however, have created new problems; among these, the overcentralization of command and control in air operations and a willingness to discard the significant capabilities of subordinate C2 nodes including airborne C2. Doctrine regarding the proper utilization of airborne C2 is unclear in specifics, but clear in tone; C2 is the exclusive province of the ACC (Air Component Commander) and AOC (Air Operations Center) with subordinate air asset providers and directors relegated to the role of awaiting the daily arrival of the Air Tasking Order (ATO) and carrying out the instructions contained therein. This situation not only makes inadequate utilization of all components of the air C2 architecture, but dangerously concentrates the C2 potential of air operations at a single level and location.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325052
Entities
People
- Richard W. Weathers
Organizations
- Naval War College