A Seat at the Table. Beyond the Air Component Coordination Element
Abstract
Planning and executing combat operations demand trust and coordination at all levels - especially at the senior-leader level. Clearly, General MacArthur trusted Lt Gen George Kenney, the senior Airman in the Pacific during World War II. Their relationship and the success of MacArthur's Pacific campaign stemmed from frequent and meaningful interaction between the two men and their staffs, underwritten by access to resources and authorities. As MacArthur island-hopped through the Pacific, Kenney moved his headquarters forward, bringing combat capability and resources with him and directing the employment of airpower along the way. The relocation of headquarters proved critical at a time when the ability to communicate and interact was primarily a function of distance. Although modern technology significantly reduces the need for close proximity to sustain communication or to command and control airpower, it comes with a cost. Today's state-of-the-art combined air and space operations center (CAOC) and its communications capabilities allow Airmen to make full use of the inherent flexibility, speed, range, and mobility of airpower. The CAOC, however, lacks the portability that would allow a combined force air component commander (CFACC) to colocate with every ground commander; the price tag for such redundancy in both personnel and equipment far exceeds the benefits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA533557
Entities
People
- Mike Hostage
Organizations
- Air and Space Power Journal