Span of Control in Contingency Air Mobility Operations: The Case for a Tanker Director

摘要

Air Mobility Command's (AMC) air refueling tankers are the one key enabler critical to both rapid deployment and employment of airpower. This paper investigates the role of the Director of Mobility Forces (DIRMOBFOR) in the tanker command and control structure that stands up to support a joint task force (JTF). The thesis is that air mobility and combat-support C2 systems are different enough to warrant a separate DIRMOBFOR-like function dedicated to theater tanker employment. Under current doctrine competing airlift and air refueling coordination taskings exceed the DIRMOBFOR's span of control. Analysis begins with an explanation of the overarching global air mobility C2 structure and how the JTF contingency structure fits inside. The historical evolution and doctrinal role of the DIRMOBFOR are discussed. Then the dynamics of the air mobility and combat Support C2 structures are contrasted. Finally, the lessons learned from Operation ALLIED FORCE, the most current major theater operation for U.S. airpower, are examined to highlight problems encountered with the present system. Competing proposed changes to doctrine are then put forward and evaluated. The authors recommended course of action is to codify and incorporate the 'Tanker Director' function as it was demonstrated for ALLIED FORCE. The relatively simple refinements proposed will go far toward ensuring air refueling capability in future JTF operations.