Centralized Control/Decentralized Execution: A Valid Tenet of Airpower

Centralized Control/Decentralized Execution: A Valid Tenet of Airpower PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 35

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Book Description
Centralized control and decentralized execution are fundamental tenets of air power that have evolved over decades of aerial employment and centuries of command and control during war. Air power has unique characteristics that require a different command and control construct than surface-centric combat units. The tenets of centralized control and decentralized execution have recently come under fire due to emerging transformational concepts such as Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) and Effects-Based Operations (EBO). This paper examines the history of the concept of centralized control/decentralized execution from the advent of modern warfare through Operation Enduring Freedom. Current doctrinal definitions are discussed with an emphasis on the differences between Air Force doctrine and joint doctrine. The study highlights the result of poorly articulated doctrinal definitions, and demonstrates that service and joint doctrine as currently written make the concept of centralized control and decentralized execution logically impossible. Service and joint doctrine should change. Even in the face of emerging joint operations concepts, centralized control and decentralized execution remains a valid tenet for the organization and employment of air power.

Centralized Control/Decentralized Execution: A Valid Tenet of Airpower

Centralized Control/Decentralized Execution: A Valid Tenet of Airpower PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 35

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Book Description
Centralized control and decentralized execution are fundamental tenets of air power that have evolved over decades of aerial employment and centuries of command and control during war. Air power has unique characteristics that require a different command and control construct than surface-centric combat units. The tenets of centralized control and decentralized execution have recently come under fire due to emerging transformational concepts such as Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) and Effects-Based Operations (EBO). This paper examines the history of the concept of centralized control/decentralized execution from the advent of modern warfare through Operation Enduring Freedom. Current doctrinal definitions are discussed with an emphasis on the differences between Air Force doctrine and joint doctrine. The study highlights the result of poorly articulated doctrinal definitions, and demonstrates that service and joint doctrine as currently written make the concept of centralized control and decentralized execution logically impossible. Service and joint doctrine should change. Even in the face of emerging joint operations concepts, centralized control and decentralized execution remains a valid tenet for the organization and employment of air power.

Command in Air War

Command in Air War PDF Author: Michael W. Kometer
Publisher: www.Militarybookshop.CompanyUK
ISBN: 9781907521034
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
This work examines whether "centralized control and decentralized execution" is a valid doctrinal tenet, given the technological advances in the information age. Fascinating scenarios from recent operations, set in the context of a "complex air operations system," show the dilemmas presented by participants' increased access to information-and the resulting consequences of their decisions. With the uncertainty of war and the blending of diverse organizations, the author illustrates that commanders must balance empowerment with accountability by developing depth in command relationships among their subordinates. Orginally published in 2007.

Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution: a Catchphrase in Crisis?

Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution: a Catchphrase in Crisis? PDF Author: Clint Hinote
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781478296508
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 90

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Book Description
The Air Force's master tenet of centralized control, decentralized execution is in danger of becoming dogma. Airmen have difficulty communicating the meaning of this phrase in a joint setting. This is partially due to our limited understanding of its history and the imprecise meaning of the words involved. Furthermore, the irregular conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq (and the ongoing service debates in the Pacific) have demonstrated the need for a deeper understanding of this master tenet to advocate effectively for airpower solutions. We must get this right, as it is critical to maximizing airpower's potential. Getting it right, however, requires moving beyond sound bites and bumper stickers.

Effectiveness Through Control

Effectiveness Through Control PDF Author: Barry Allen Dickey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Airlift, Military
Languages : en
Pages : 21

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Book Description
To achieve effectiveness and efficiency in mobility operations, Air Force leaders have employed a command and control structure that many airmen view as centralized execution. This paper examines the Air Force supreme tenet of centralized control and decentralized execution as it relates to these operations and proposes the Air Operations Center as the appropriate level of control and execution. Recent examples prove this concept and demonstrate how decentralization to no lower than the AOC-level enables four of the other tenets of airpower listed in Air Force doctrine: flexibility, synergistic effects, concentration and priority. This level of command and control poses potential risks to the concept of decentralized execution, but training and a better understanding of the supreme tenet will mitigate these risks and preserve the benefits of decentralized execution.

The Future of Centralized Control for Airpower

The Future of Centralized Control for Airpower PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Air Force Basic Doctrine Document 1 lists seven tenets, or "fundamental guiding truths," for airpower employment. The first of these is centralized control and decentralized execution. This tenet dictates that "air and space power must be controlled by an airman who maintains a broad strategic and/or theater perspective in prioritizing the use of limited air and space assets to attain the objectives of all U.S. forces in any contingency across the range of operations." This paper addresses the following questions regarding the information revolution's impact on this tenet: How does this impact the principle of centralized command and decentralized execution? Is this paradigm outmoded? Do we want or need the command and decision authority pushed down to the tactical unit level? Alternatively, will exceptionally talented and capable systems invite higher authority micro-management of tactical actions? How might such possible "decision up-creep" be mitigated? The information revolution, combined with either the political imperatives associated with limited conflicts or the threat posed by an emergent "niche competitor," will tend to lead U.S. airpower further away from the concept of centralized control and decentralized execution. This should be a conscious decision, however. As "a statement of officially sanctioned beliefs and warfighting principles that describe and guide the proper use of ... forces in military operations EMPHASIS ADDED," doctrine and operational art are closely linked. Therefore, operational art should be an explicit factor in the decision. The author recommends several elements of operational leadership that the operational commander should explicitly consider in making such a decision.

The Origin of Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution

The Origin of Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 116

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Book Description
Air Force Doctrine Document 1 states, Air forces must be controlled by an airman who maintains a broad perspective in prioritizing limited assets across the range of operations. Hence, centralized control by an airman becomes the essence of airpower's basic tenet, centralized control and decentralized execution. This study concentrates on the origin of U.S. airpower's core tenet, especially with regard to its essence. The search ultimately evolves into an analysis of the doctrinal evolution of centralized control by an airman from World War I through early World War II. The search begins with the American military experience in the Allies' North African campaign in late 1942, the turning point for the adoption of airpowers's core tenet. After an ineffective application of airpower culminating in the Allies' defeat at Kasserine Pass, centralized control of air forces by an airman became codified into official doctrine. This study attempts to find the origin by examining the events surrounding the American Air Service's first combat experience in World War I, the Battle of St. Mihiel. Next, it examines what the classical airpower theorists concluded about centralized control by an airman as a means to determine what shaped the interwar doctrine with which Army Air Forces entered World War II.

Centralized Control with Decentralized Execution

Centralized Control with Decentralized Execution PDF Author: Daniel F. Baltrusaitis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Command and control systems
Languages : en
Pages : 69

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Book Description


Beyond Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution

Beyond Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 61

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Book Description
The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the role of centralized execution in air power doctrine. However, research showed that the problem was much deeper than merely a shift toward centralized execution. The problem is in the use of the term centralized execution itself. This term is not clearly defined in doctrine and its sister term, decentralized execution, is incorrectly defined. These terms should really describe the level of control exercised by senior leaders over tactical operations. True centralized execution using technology to literally execute tactical events from afar presents its own set of problems. Doctrine needs to be clarified to remove this confusion. This discussion over what some would refer to as simple semantics is grounded in the strategic objectives sought when employing air power. The Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) is responsible for employing air power to achieve strategic effectiveness. Therefore, the trend toward close control (incorrectly referred to as centralized execution) stems from the desire and ability to control the strategic effects created by tactical operations. Air Force leaders seem to fully understand this, but tactical operators do not. Both doctrine and training emphasize tactical efficiency, duping war fighters into believing that tactical efficiency is critical to strategic effectiveness. In reality, history proves that often this is not the case. My research demonstrates that the Air Force needs to abandon the terminology in its master tenet of air power. Future JFACCs will determine the appropriate level of control required in their situation, and operators should not be surprised if the JFACC chooses close control. It is time for the Air Force to move beyond centralized control and decentralized execution to a deeper understanding of the contextual factors leading senior leaders to actively involve themselves into tactical operations.

Centralized Execution in the U.S. Air Force

Centralized Execution in the U.S. Air Force PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 29

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Book Description
This monograph addresses the continued relevance of airpower's master tenet in light of advances in technology. The purpose of this monograph is to examine the doctrinal assumptions used to justify centralized control with decentralized execution. Current Air Force doctrine assumes that this model of employment allows commanders to achieve effective span of control and to foster disciplined initiative, situational responsiveness, and tactical flexibility. Each of these assertions is explored relative to technological advances in the employment of air and space power and the current trend toward centralized execution. Based on this analysis, this monograph concludes that the location of sufficient understanding of the commander's intent along the chain of command from the JFACC to the airborne asset determines the appropriate level of centralized execution. Successful future leaders will adapt the degree of centralized execution in their command and control model to fit their circumstances.

The Airpower Tenet of Centralized Control From Organizational and Battle Management Perspectives

The Airpower Tenet of Centralized Control From Organizational and Battle Management Perspectives PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 54

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Book Description
This study examines the airpower tenet of centralized control, which US Air Force doctrine has traditionally upheld as the foundation for organizing, planning, and executing joint air operations. The tenet is examined from both an organizational and a battle management aspect. The organizational aspect refers to the command and procedural arrangements that permit a Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) to achieve unity of air effort. It is the JFACC's span of control. The battle management aspect refers to the JFACC s actions in the process of planning and executing theater air operations. It is the JFACC s level of control. Most doctrinal publications that mention JFACC operations focus on the organizational aspect, and not the battle management aspect of the tenet of centralized control. This study examines both aspects of the airpower tenet. It first covers the evolution of the air component commander s span of control, which prior to the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 rarely permitted unity of air effort. Next it examines the JFACC levels of control exercised in Operations DESERT STORM and DELIBERATE FORCE and looks at six factors that either instigated or facilitated these different levels of control. The six factors examined are (1) the command and procedural arrangements established for the JFACC, (2) the command and control technology available in theater, (3) the status of JFACC doctrine prior to the operations, (4) the scale of air operations, (5) the criticality of certain decisions and tasks in air operations, and (6) the JFACC s leadership style. Finally, this study generates conclusions from the DESERT STORM and DELIBERATE FORCE operations and provides suggestions on how Air Force doctrine should change to reflect and anticipate the flexibility inherent to the airpower tenet of centralized control.