Command and Control of Airpower--A New Paradigm for the Future

Abstract

Recent experiences in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have highlighted the need for adaptable and tailorable airpower command and control (C2) systems that can better serve the joint force across the entire range of operations. Though the Air Force has done a good job adapting adapt the existing C2 system to the task, at times using a variety of control frameworks, it has not yet looked at future C2 requirements holistically in order to create a "toolbox of capabilities" that avoids the need for poorly optimized piece-meal or work-around solutions. Simply stated, as battlefield dynamics change and technology moves forward, air employment and its associated C2 systems must also change to remain relevant. The inattention has resulted in obsolete elements of the Theater Air Command System, Air Operations Centers funded at 50 percent (or less), poor command relationships, and an unwieldy C2 structure that is difficult to tailor for today?s fight. Here, decentralized ground operations are bypassing operational-level planning processes. This has created a large seam between air planning (that occurs centrally at the AOC, far removed from the battlefield) and ground planning that occurs at low-level tactical units (directly on the battlefield). The upshot is a perception that the Air Force is not there, or not fully committed to the joint fight. To help solve these problems, this study offers insights into the world of C2 by explaining that there are no ?one size fits all? C2 systems. It stresses the importance of human relationships to build trust. It emphasizes the benefits of hierarchal over flat structures. And, it offers some suggestions (such as using mission-type orders) to help overcome bandwidth limitations and C2 vulnerabilities in order to create a more survivable C2 system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA540088

Entities

People

  • Gregory S. Marzolf

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Control Systems
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Organizations
  • Network Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Radar
  • Teamwork
  • United States Central Command
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

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