Right-Sizing Airpower Command and Control for the Afghanistan Counterinsurgency
Abstract
On 3 November 2010, the commander of United States Air Forces Central Command (COMUSAFCENT) signed and released an order establishing the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan (9 AETF-A). This order represents an important moment because it alters the 20-year-old model of how COMUSAFCENT, in his role as the 9 AETF commander, presents forces to the supported joint force commander (JFC)--in this case, the commander of US Forces-Afghanistan (COMUSFOR-A). This article serves as a complementary piece to Lt Gen Mike Hostage's article "A Seat at the Table," which appeared in the Winter 2010 issue of this journal. It documents how this change in USAFCENT's airpower command and control (C2) structure developed, tempered by my observations and perspective as the commander charged with implementing the COMUSAFCENT's vision. First, I explain the initial tasks that General Hostage gave me as director of the "empowered" air component coordination element (ACCE). As I do that, I illustrate how we began to evolve into what has become the AETF staff. Next, I discuss why this evolution was necessary and the rationale for creating a subtheater C2 echelon in today's war-fighting environment. I do so to give the readers of this journal one Airman's sight picture on how we can adapt centralized control procedures for a mature, enduring campaign. Finally, I offer a few thoughts on how and why we arrived at this juncture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA544355
Entities
People
- Andrew B. Stone
- Charles W. Lyon
Organizations
- Air and Space Power Journal