Unity of Command--Countering Aircraft and Missile Threats
Abstract
Joint force commanders (JFCs) must achieve and maintain air superiority against a range of threats. Controlling the air is a prerequisite for force projection, surveillance, interdiction, strategic attack, and surface maneuver. Politically, command of the air environment can be an integral aspect of coalition cohesion, especially when population centers are at risk. The joint warfighting capability assessment (JWCA) process was instituted to ensure that the warfighting needs of CINCs are met. To support this process, the air superiority JWCA team established a framework, based on a strategy-to-task analysis, for controlling the air. It focuses on gaining unimpeded use of airspace while denying it to an adversary. One aspect of the strategy-to-task analysis is that myriad aircraft and missile threats--aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and surface to air missiles--must be neutralized to attain air superiority. Because all components and allied forces have some assets to counter such threats, JFCs face a dilemma in integrating them. Lessons from World War II to Desert Storm highlight the role unity of command plays in neutralizing threats. In terms of emerging capabilities, these lessons also reinforce the relevance of command which unites offensive and defensive operations, since the former can profoundly reduce stress on the latter. Moreover, countering aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles is tied to theater air operations and is central to airspace control. For instance, fighter and surface based air defenses must be integrated under a single air commander to maximize effectiveness, minimize fratricide, and avoid inhibiting offensive air operations such as close air support and interdiction. Therefore, joint force air component commanders (JFACCs) must have responsibility and authority to control joint operations to counter aircraft and missile threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA529040
Entities
People
- Vincent P. Difronzo
Organizations
- National Defense University