Reevaluating Doctrine for Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense
Abstract
The Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense (JTAMD) threat is evolving rapidly. Such threats include not only Theater Ballistic Missiles, but also cruise missiles and eventually stealth attack aircraft. The U.S. is developing new active defense systems to help meet the challenges of these threats. However, the joint doctrine, which is necessary to integrate these forces, is not keeping pace. Specifically, the doctrine must change in order to take advantage of the overlapping sensor and engagement envelopes that will become more common once these advanced defenses are fielded. This paper explores three proposals that will enable a JFC to better optimize and integrate a JTAMD network of sensors and weapons. First, the JFC should have the option of making the Area Air Defense Commander (AADC) a coequal with the Joint Force Air Component Commander. This option would improve interservice coordination and allocation of active defense units, especially during the deployment and lodgment phase of a campaign. Second, the Joint Information Control Officer (JICO) must be defined and empowered in order to overcome interservice interoperability problems and establish a theater wide JTAMD picture. Third, in order to deconflict multiple engagements and maintain overlapping sensor coverage as the battle unfolds, the AADC may have to conduct both centralized planning and centralized execution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363155
Entities
People
- J. Chris Peterschmidt
Organizations
- Naval War College