The JFACC and Small Scale Contingency Operations
Abstract
Should a JFACC Command Airpower Employment in Small-Scale Contingency Operations? For an airman, the obvious answer to this question is yes. If airpower employment is conducted in any type of operation, it should be commanded by an airman. However, this answer is much too simplistic for reality. According to joint doctrine, the JFACC is the commander in charge of joint air operations when employed as part of a Joint Force. However, most SSC operations employing joint airpower are of such limited scope and duration that the designation of a Joint Force is probably not warranted. Furthermore, there is no consistent definition of the JFACC's role published in joint doctrine. The inconsistent definitions of the JFACC's role provide conflicting and ambiguous guidance to the CINC, which is exacerbated when airpower employment is contemplated in the SSC environment. According to current joint doctrine, the answer to the above question is no, and that is a serious problem. Airpower Employment in SSC Operations Airpower employment in SSC operations is significantly different from other force employment operations. When surface forces are employed in this environment, they have a unifying doctrine that articulates force employment considerations. The doctrine is coherent, relevant, and most importantly, accepted by all of the services. Airpower has four separate service doctrines, and absolutely minimal guidance published in joint doctrine upon which to rely for employment in an SSC environment. The SSC environment is unique in that effective operations achieve strategic, operational, and tactical level objectives concurrently. Joint doctrine does not address this paradigm for airpower employment. Joint Doctrine, the JFACC, and Airpower The JFACC is repeatedly defined in joint doctrine, but each definition is different and somewhat conflicting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA398700
Entities
People
- Philip M. Senna
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College