Towards Improved Operational Command and Control of Space Weapons

摘要

Recently, discussions concerning the weaponization of space have begun to reach a crescendo. Political and military leaders within the United States have started expanding the national discussion regarding this highly debated topic. This paper will not focus on the weaponization debate as a matter of policy, but rather will offer options for operational command and control of space weapons hypothetically deployed. Two broad categories are analyzed: command and control using reachback, and command and control from within the theater commander's operational area. The latter is divided into two possibilities: creation of a Joint Force Space Component Command (JFSCC) or creation of a Joint Force Air and Space Component Command (JFASCC). With doctrinal guidance as a starting point, each of these options for space strike command and control is analyzed according to its advantages and disadvantages to the operational commander. The paper concludes with a rationale for future Joint Force Commanders to create a Joint Forces Space Component Command to best command and control space strike assets.