Command and Control Enabling the Expeditionary Aerospace Force
Abstract
As the Air Force enters a new century, it finds itself modernizing it two areas. First, it is reorganizing into an Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) capable of rapidly delivering a tailorable capabilities based aerospace force to anywhere on the globe. The Air Force is also actively modernizing its ability to command and control (C2) its forces, by leveraging modern technology to enable commanders at every level of war to better prosecute a conflict. For the EAF to succeed in realizing its vision, it must create a light, lean force prepared for expeditionary operations and tailorable throughout any spectrum of conflict. What, then, should a modernized global command and control network consist of if it is to link expeditionary aerospace operations from the tactical level to the strategic level, and provide information to the EAF through the spectrum of conflict? Both of these modernization efforts are currently being pursued, however, inadequate effort is being placed on the coordination between the two. Only by analyzing the EAF structure, outlining its unique and new requirements, and applying the people, processes and systems of a new C2 structure can congruent modernization efforts be realized. This yet to be realized congruent effort will be the key in the success of the EAF. A modern C2 system designed around the unique expeditionary nature of the EAF will be its key enabler. This modernized C2 structure requires seamless worldwide, instantaneous connectivity. It must possess trained C2 warriors capable of using the modern systems to reachback to fixed air operations centers to obtain the vital information needed to conduct a war. The inherent nature of the expeditionary force will produce a requirement to rapidly modernize C2 systems, attainable only through the implementation of spiral development. By embracing these concepts, the EAF will possess the people, processes and systems to conduct expeditionary operations around the world.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA381861
Entities
People
- James B. Bearden
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College