Bettering National Response by Effectively Using the Combined Air Operations Center

摘要

When surrounded by chaos, you are not consigned to confusion. Understanding the principle of unity of command and the tenet of centralized control and decentralized execution allows and encourages a ready made solution set. Eliminating operational confusion requires a universally understood organizational structure to support joint and multinational/multi- organizational operations throughout the entire spectrum of national need. While Combined Air Operations Centers (CAOCs) have performed well in classical high-tempo force-on-force major theater operations, the marked increase in low- end conflicts and non-traditional military operations supporting diverse National goals produces significant challenges. Today's challenge is day-to-day steady state operations for low-end of the spectrum engagements with a capability to ramp up to provide the capabilities of air power in both probable and ad hoc scenarios. Continually engaged CAOCs no longer focus on shifting from one relatively rare major combat operation to the next. The resulting requirement is to properly delegate and coordinate all functions necessary for command and control of air, space, and information operations under a variety of workloads and time constraints.