Feasibility of an Air Liaison Officer Career Field: Improving the Theater Air-Ground System
Abstract
This investigation of the feasibility of an air liaison officer (ALO) career field was initially prompted by a recent suggestion submitted within the U.S. Air Force's Innovative Development Through Employee Awareness (IDEA) program. The IDEA suggestion, previous research, and analysis conducted during the course of this study confirmed several advantages of this proposal. Research and literature have been generated on this subject -- some of it very recent and some going back 20 years. The authors evaluated the research, papers, and published articles on the subject. They then interviewed current tactical air control party (TACP) personnel, ALOs, and U.S. Army commanders to determine whether the conclusions of two previous studies (Olivero, 1999, and Wisher, 2004) were still valid. Finally, they added a personnel flow analysis, having determined that no one has yet looked at the career field flow and staffing issues. The most recent requirement for ALOs is specified in a 2008 memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the Army and Air Force. The MoA is consistent with and supports joint doctrine published in Joint Publication 3-09.3, "Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support (CAS)" (U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2003). The authorization structure is specified in the MoA. The current system, in which duty as an ALO is restricted to career aviators, is, at least on the surface, meeting the requirements for airground support. If this is true, why seek to change it? This analysis suggests five reasons that an ALO career field is a better option than the current system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA489609
Entities
People
- Steven Buhrow
- Thomas Manacapilli
Organizations
- RAND Corporation