Centralized Execution in the U.S. Air Force

Abstract

This monograph addresses the continued relevance of airpower's master tenet in light of advances in technology. The purpose of this monograph is to examine the doctrinal assumptions used to justify centralized control with decentralized execution. Current Air Force doctrine assumes that this model of employment allows commanders to achieve effective span of control and to foster disciplined initiative, situational responsiveness, and tactical flexibility. Each of these assertions is explored relative to technological advances in the employment of air and space power and the current trend toward centralized execution. Based on this analysis, this monograph 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA463256

Entities

People

  • John J. Schaefer Iii

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Information Systems
  • Military Organizations
  • Network Centric Warfare
  • New York
  • Situational Awareness
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies

Technology Areas

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