CADRE Quick-Look: Airspace Management in Global CONOPs
Abstract
US Joint Forces Command's (JFCOM) Joint Lessons Learned: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) cites airspace management as an opportunity for improvement. More specifically, discussions with numerous sources throughout Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Central Command Air Forces (CENTAF) reflect concern over near misses and poor processes for separating fast movers from mobility aircraft (to include intratheater, intertheater, and refueling). These observations are not new and have been noted as lessons learned in most major exercise after-action reports. Looking forward, the battle space is becoming saturated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and ballistic projectiles being launched from the ground, sea, and air; making airspace management in the battlespace evermore complex. During OIF, the combined air operations center (CAOC) made improvements to processes and procedures that made the airspace safer. However, because the CAOC staff is manned with personnel on a rotational basis, the people responsible for those changes rotated back to their home units prior to having their improvements institutionalized. This manning policy has impeded the Air Force's ability to systematically transfer first-hand knowledge and lessons learned to the planners who will prepare airspace management for the next war. Although those improvements are valuable, still more needs to be done.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425908
Entities
People
- Alexander M. Wathen
Organizations
- Air University