JP 3-01 Countering Air and Missile Threats - Defense Innovation ...

CHAPTER II
COMMAND AND CONTROL
“Our superiority in precision munitions, stealth, mobility and command, control,
communications, and computers proved to be decisive force multipliers.”
1. General
The growing capabilities of air and missile threats (speed, range, accuracy, stealth,
lethality) and their proliferation require joint forces to be responsive, flexible, and integrated
to effectively counter those threats. The manner in which a JFC organizes forces directly
affects their responsiveness and versatility. Based on the situation, the JFC normally tailors
forces to the specific tasks to enable effective spans of control, responsiveness, tactical
flexibility, and protection. Because counterair is a joint mission and can involve all
components of the joint force, clear command relationships and properly assigned
responsibilities are essential for effective and efficient operations.
SECTION A. COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2. Command Relationships
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf
Commander, US Central Command
1991
a. The JFC organizes forces, establishes command relationships, assigns
responsibilities, and promulgates necessary coordinating instructions. The organization
should be sufficiently flexible to meet the planned phases of contemplated operations and
any subsequent development that may require a change in plans. In operations of limited
scope or duration, the JFC may organize and conduct counterair operations using the joint
force staff (e.g., the operations directorate of a joint staff [J-3]). If the JFC designates a
JFACC, the JFC may designate the JFACC as the supported commander for strategic attack,
air interdiction, and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) (among
other missions). As a joint mission area, counterair is conducted by all components with the
necessary capabilities, with the JFC/JFACC ensuring unity of command (or unity of effort),
centralized planning and direction, and decentralized execution. The JFC determines the
most appropriate command relationships for the component forces/capabilities made
available for counterair. Regardless of the command relationship, all counterair forces are
subject to the rules of engagement (ROE), airspace control, weapons control measures, and
fire control orders established by the JFACC, AADC, and/or ACA as approved by the JFC.
Additionally, the AADC will be granted the necessary command authority to deconflict and
control engagements and to exercise real-time battle management.
b. JFACCs, as functional component commanders, normally have operational control
(OPCON) over only their own Service component forces and tactical control (TACON) or
direct support of the other Service/functional component forces/capabilities made available
for tasking. For example, air sorties made available for tasking normally are provided under
II-1