Command and Control of Special Operations Aviation: Time for a Change

Abstract

Currently, all Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) forces deployed in support of combat operations are under the operational control of a Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC). The JSOAC Commander commands and controls all airpower in support of the overall Joint Force Special Operations Component Commander (JFSOCC) mission. This practice is contrary to Army doctrine that stipulates that Army Aviation operates as a maneuver force in the ground commander's regime, integrated into the combined arms team at the tactical level. The JSOAC is largely a USAF manned and led organization and is a peer to the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF), reporting directly to the Theater Special Operations Command Commander. This command and control structure consistently creates friction and animosity between the JSOTF, JSOAC and ARSOA. ARSOA is best employed directly under the JSOTF Commander, rather than under the current construct as a component in the JSOAC as prescribed in USSOCOM Directive 525-8.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 24, 2011
Accession Number
ADA543399

Entities

People

  • Clayton M. Hutmacher

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Army Aviation
  • Combat Operations
  • Command And Control
  • Directives
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Military Force Levels
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Training
  • United States Central Command
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3