Who Pushes the Pickle Button

摘要

Tension has risen on the frontline battlefields in the air between the aviators executing their missions and their command and control. This tension has resulted in many aviators asking the question 'Who is pushing the pickle button.' Just because technology has given the ability to reach into the cockpit of the frontline aviators doesn't mean this should necessarily be done. Present ROE (Rules of Engagement) and technology do not alleviate the frontline aviator of his moral or lawful responsibilities. Where did this trend start and how has it manifested itself throughout the past decade of aerial warfare. What can a CFACC (Combined Forces Air Component Commander) do to alleviate this tension. More importantly, what can the CFACC do to ensure that the JFC's (Joint Force Commander) campaign plan is being executed in the manner in which he intends and with the highest level of success. There are many factors to be considered on both sides of the issue pertinent to this discussion. First the issues of morality, law, and doctrine will be discussed. Second, how this trend was nurtured throughout our operations over the past decade will be tracked and discussed. Finally, several recommendations for today's CFACC will be outlined that best alleviate this tension. This will ultimately result in the CFACC being able to prosecute aerial warfare with the highest level of effectiveness and efficiency, which will be crucial to future warfare.