Future Command and Control of Aerospace Operations
Abstract
The system of controlling air operations has improved in effectiveness and efficiency with every air campaign since its inception in World War II. The Aerospace Operations Center (AOC) is the command and control element responsible for planning and executing air power. The AOC has matured into a large system capable of planning and executing a major theater air campaign as demonstrated in Operation Desert Storm. However, a challenge to this massive AOC model is a lack of resources. The keen competition for reduced military resources and the growth in information technology point to a necessary change in the AOC model. The Air Force solution is a modest AOC-forward concentrating on reach back to a theater-based AOC and/or a CON US-based AOC. This course of action is adequate, feasible, and acceptable to support the probable joint task force executing a contingency tasking. However, the reduced AOC-forward will not be acceptable to the Joint Forces Commander without demonstrating that the Joint Forces Air Component Commander can lead an air campaign while relying on reach back operations. The theater- and CON US-based AOCs are therefore challenged with improving reach back through exercises, experiments, and after action air campaign reports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389069
Entities
People
- Teresa A. Djuric
Organizations
- United States Army War College