Command

incorporates CNE, computer network defense (CND), and CNA techniques and may
be a contributor to influence operations. It is highly dependent upon ISR, fused allsource
intelligence, automated indications and warning, sophisticated
attribution/characterization, situational awareness, assessment, and responsive C2.
Cyberspace Support. Cyberspace Support is foundational, continuous, or
responsive operations ensuring information integrity and availability in, through, and
from Air Force-controlled infrastructure and its interconnected analog and digital
portion of the battle space. Inherent in this mission is the ability to establish, extend,
secure, protect, and defend in order to sustain assigned networks and missions.
This includes protection measures against supply chain components plus critical C2
networks/communications links and nuclear C2 networks. The cyberspace support
mission incorporates CNE and CND techniques. It incorporates all elements of Air
Force Network Operations, information transport, enterprise management, and
information assurance, and is dependent on ISR and all-source intelligence.
Command and Control
Command and control is “the exercise of authority and direction by a properly
designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of
the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of
personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a
commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in
the accomplishment of the mission” (JP 1-02). This core function includes all of the C2-
related capabilities and activities associated with air, space, cyberspace, nuclear, and
agile combat support operations to achieve strategic, operational, and tactical
objectives.
Strategic Level Command and Control. At this level the US determines national
or multinational security objectives and guidance, and develops and uses national
resources to accomplish these objectives. These national objectives in turn provide
the direction for developing overall military objectives, which are used to develop the
objectives and strategy for each theater.
Operational Level Command and Control. At this level of war, campaigns and
major operations are planned, conducted, sustained, and assessed to accomplish
strategic goals within theaters or areas of operations. These activities imply a
broader dimension of time or space than do tactics; they provide the means by
which tactical successes are exploited to achieve strategic and operational
objectives.
Tactical Level Command and Control. This is the level of war where individual
battles and engagements are fought. The tactical level of war deals with how forces
are employed, and the specifics of how engagements are conducted and targets
attacked. The goal of tactical level C2 is to achieve commander's intent and desired
effects by gaining and keeping offensive initiative.
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