The Information Warfare Threat to Air Expeditionary Forces
Abstract
In October 1999, the United States Air Force successfully deployed the first full-scale Air Expeditionary Force, marking the final step in the transition from a Cold War era, forward-based presence force to one built and shaped for quick and decisive global engagement. Each Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) consists of a small cross-section of aerospace forces, tailored by task, prepared to rapidly deploy and operate from well-established bases or geographically isolated, bare base airfields with minimal infrastructure. The AEF depends on external support for sustained operations, especially during deployment to remote locations. Advanced information and communication systems provide the critical link between the AEF and the Air Force's worldwide support network. This heavy reliance on information connectivity increases the AEF's vulnerability to information warfare (1W) attack. The 1W threat to the AEF is significant. Potential adversaries continue to develop the technology and doctrine necessary to employ increasingly effective 1W against the United States and its allies, ensuring the role of 1W as a powerful weapon now and in future conflicts. This paper examines the major information systems used by a remotely deployed AEF, identifies the vulnerabilities of those systems to 1W attack, assesses the impact of hostile 1W on operations, and highlights important factors for the AEF commander to consider when developing a strategy to deter, detect, negate, and recover from 1W attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378513
Entities
People
- Richard E. Pearcy
Organizations
- Naval War College