Stretching the Umbilical Cord: The Theory, Practice and Future of the Split Air Operations Center

Abstract

This study addresses the question of whether or not the Air Force should continue to develop a Split Air Operations Center (AOC) capability whose components are geographically separated, electronically connected, and codependent for task accomplishment. The author analyzes the dilemma created by the Joint Forces Air Component Commander's (JFACC s) desire to collocate with both his AOC and the Joint Forces Commander (JFC) at a forward location, counterbalanced by the need to reduce deployed footprint for various reasons . the most significant of which is to enhance his deployed force protection posture. The study examines the Split AOC as a potential solution to this dilemma. The paper begins by describing a contemporary, collocated AOC structure, as used by the Combat Air Forces worldwide-deployable Numbered Air Forces. It then contrasts this contemporary AOC with the Split AOC paradigm. Next, the author surveys available historical experience with various forms of the Split AOC paradigm. This evidence includes exercises such as the GOLDEN SABER series, NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS 93-05, the UNIFIED ENDEAVOR series, JOINT TASK FORCE EXERCISE 97-1, and BLUE FLAG 98-1. As part of the spiral development process supporting the Vision of Aerospace Command and Control For the 21st Century, the author subsequently appraises potential future applications of the Split AOC paradigm. This includes the AOC Baseline effort, the Distributed Air Operations Center (DAOC) technologies, Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstrations, and the EXPEDITIONARY FORCES EXERCISE 98. The final section of the study focuses on issues that shape the Split AOC debate and notes that several doctrinal gaps currently exist regarding AOC operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA391793

Entities

People

  • L. T. Wight

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Command And Control
  • Computer Communications
  • Computer Networks
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Control Systems
  • Electronic Mail
  • Employment
  • Information Systems
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Organizations
  • Operations Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Microelectronics
  • Space