Toward Unity of Command for Multinational Air Forces
Abstract
To assure unity of command in future multinational air operations, combatant commanders must embrace the necessity of multinational air forces, maximize the integration of allied officers within air component command structures, and stand ready to implement a truly multinational C2 structure for those forces. Development of multinational air operations doctrine with potential partners would provide geographic commanders in chief (CINCs) the C2 underpinnings for future crises. A deliberate incorporation of foreign air force exchange officers in CINC and air component staff billets would form the ready nucleus of an ideally integrated C2 node for multinational air operations. Historical examples are used to illustrate different types of multinational command structure and show that the integrated structure provides the greatest unity of command. The recent examples of the Persian Gulf War and NATO operations in Bosnia are discussed in terms of multinational integration and unity of command. Finally, a synthesis of research is used to advocate development of multinational doctrine, and the employment of foreign air officers in the peacetime staffs of CINCs and air components, to form a cadre from which a combined JFACC would be stood up in time of crisis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA348388
Entities
People
- David Asjes
Organizations
- Naval War College