Time for a New Master Tenet?
Abstract
This monograph addresses the continued relevance of air power's master tenet in light of advances in technology. The purpose of the monograph is to examine the doctrinal assumptions used to justify centralized control with decentralized execution. Current Air Force doctrine defines decentralized execution as "the delegation of execution authority" and deems it superior to centralized execution because it allows commanders "to achieve effective span of control and to foster disciplined initiative, situational responsiveness, and tactical flexibility." This monograph will use these four criteria to examine whether the current state of technology warrants an update to the master tenet. To understand the perspective of centralized control and decentralized execution presented in AFDD-1, the author begins with a review of the historical development of this method of employment. He analyzes its use in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi No Fly Zone Enforcement, Operation Allied Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Each of the four criteria is then explored relative to technological advances in the employment of air and space power and the current trend toward centralized execution. Based on this analysis, the author concludes that the location of sufficient understanding of the commander's intent along the chain of command from the JFACC to the airborne asset determines the appropriate level of centralized execution. Successful future leaders will adapt the degree of centralized execution in their command and control model to fit their circumstances.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA450629
Entities
People
- John J. Schaefer Iii
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College