Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.1

tions. In most cases the COMAFFOR will be the JFACC. Although
some counterair assets are assigned to different components, the JFACC is normally
the supported commander for counterair operations. Routinely, the
JFACC has OPCON, tactical control (TACON), and/or a supported relationship
to conduct counterair operations employing augmenting forces
that remain assigned to other components. The JFACC’s authority, guidance,
and responsibilities are assigned by the JFC and include planning, coordinating,
allocating, and tasking based on the JFC apportionment decision.
The JFACC’s functions include air defense, airspace control, and ISR efforts.
Using the JFC’s guidance and authority, and in coordination with component
and supporting commanders, the JFACC recommends to the JFC
apportionment of air effort to various functions (including counterair) or
geographic areas. The responsibilities of the JFACC as AADC and
ACA are interrelated and should normally be assigned to one individual.
Area Air Defense Commander
Within a unified command, subordinate unified command, or joint task
force, the JFC normally assigns overall responsibility for air defense
to a single commander designated as the AADC. The AADC is
responsible for integrating the entire air defense effort and should be the component
commander with the C 4 I capability to plan and execute integrated air
defense operations with other air operations. The JFACC should normally be
designated the AADC. In those instances where the JFACC is not designated
the AADC, the AADC should be assigned as a subordinate of the
JFACC for the air defense effort. Air defense operations are coordinated
with all other components conducting operations in the same theater of
operations.
Airspace Control Authority
The JFC will normally designate the JFACC as the ACA. The ACA
is responsible for operating the airspace control system within the airspace
control area and coordinating and integrating the use of the airspace control
area. The ACA develops policies and procedures for airspace control and
for the coordination required among components within the theater. The
ACA establishes an airspace control system for the JFC, integrates the
airspace control system with that of the host nation, and coordinates and
deconflicts user requirements. The ACA develops these procedures into an
airspace control plan (ACP) and, after JFC approval, promulgates it throughout
the theater. The ACP is then implemented through the airspace control
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