Fall 2006 - Air & Space Power Chronicle - Air Force Link

ASPJQuick-LookA New Operational Assessment ParadigmSplitting the StoplightsMAJ KIRSTEN MESSER, USAFMAJ SHANE DOUGHERTY, USAFOPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT (OA)plays a crucial role in the successfulapplication of airpower, enablingdevelopment and revisionof air strategy by “closing the loop” on the airtasking order’s cycle. Because the global waron terrorism has prompted alterations in theapplication of airpower, however, analystsmust shift their approach to OA to accommodatethose changes. The conflicts in which theUnited States has fought since the end of theCold War have emphasized the large-scale applicationof airpower to deliver precise, kineticeffects. By contrast, in Operations EnduringFreedom and Iraqi Freedom, the air componentfinds itself in a supporting role, deliveringfewer kinetic effects in favor of nonkineticones such as deterrence. In such a context,analysts must tailor their approach to OA sothey can accurately assess the attainment ofdesired effects and support the joint force aircomponent commander’s (JFACC) decisionson the best use of limited resources.Joint Publication 3-30, Command and Controlfor Joint Air Operations, gives the air componentcommander responsibility for assessing“the results of joint air operations.” 1 Air ForceOperational Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures(AFOTTP) 2-3.2, Air and Space OperationsCenter, assigns this responsibility to theJFACC’s operational assessment team (OAT). 2Doctrinal guidance on how to conduct assessmentfocuses mainly on tactical-level assessments,including battle damage assessment(BDA) and munitions effectiveness assessment(MEA). Guidance specific to assessment at theoperational level describes a general processof “rolling up” the tactical-level assessmentsusing the strategy-to-task linkage developed bythe Strategy Division.Using this delineation from task to objectiveas the foundation for assessment remainsthe same regardless of whether the air componentis supported or supporting. There are,however, significant differences in how onebuilds an assessment on that foundation. Whenthe air component assumes a supporting role,uncertainties exist in determining the goal tobe assessed, building tactical-assessment inputto the OA process, and evaluating and reportingeffects across components.With airpower as supporter, the operationalobjective might read, “Support command Xin achieving effect A.” So the air componenthas two goals: it must provide support to commandX and do so with the purpose of achievingeffect A. Which of these goals should theassessment measure?Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages.Looking at things from an effectsbasedperspective (achieve effect A) is generallythe preferred approach to assessmentbecause it captures progress toward the overallgoal and highlights opportunities to improve65