Challenges for the Operational Leader Integrating Civil and Military Air Traffic during Operations Other Than War.
Abstract
Air traffic control must be fully integrated in a theater of operations to enable an operational commander to most effectively achieve tactical, operational, and strategic aims. The international aviation environment is increasingly complex and unreceptive to military operations perceived as jeopardizing safety or infringing on airspace access. Integrating air traffic during operations other than war (OOTW) is particularly problematic due to the high volume and complexity introduced by civil aircraft in a more permissive environment. Aircraft mishaps involving civil aircraft are so visible that a single incident can damage the credibility of the United States and legitimacy of an operation. A global movement led by the International Civil Aviation Organization, affiliated with the UN, is aggressively addressing international aviation safety problems - including the perceived dangers and intrusiveness that military operations present to civil aircraft. A lack of understanding and focus on air traffic functions contributed to the Black Hawk fratricide incident during Operation Provide Comfort, resulted in inadequate situational awareness during Operation Desert Storm, and have inadequately prepared AWACS to handle the complex and evolving airspace over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Fully integrating military and civil air traffic in a theater of operations can improve the operational commander's ability to shape the battlespace, achieve unity of effort, reduce fratricide, respond more effectively to evolving conditions, and positively shape international opinion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA348350
Entities
People
- Laura J. Muhlenberg
Organizations
- Naval War College