Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.1

(AWACS), airborne battlefield command and control center (ABCCC), and
the joint surveillance, target attack radar system (JSTARS).
Air Operations Center
Theater Air Control System
for Counterair Function
Joint Air Operations Center with Joint/Allied Liaisons
AWACS
ABCCC
JSTARS
CRC
Control & Reporting
Center
The Air Operations Center (AOC) is the principal air operations
installation from which aircraft and air warning functions of combat
air operations are directed, controlled, and executed. It is the
senior element of the TACS and the senior agency of the area coordination
center from which command and control of air operations are coordinated
with other Services and components. If the COMAFFOR is appointed JFACC,
then the AOC becomes the joint air operations center (JAOC). The AOC
includes the equipment and personnel necessary to accomplish the planning,
directing, controlling, and coordinating of theaterwide air operations. Within
the AOC, the airspace control center plans, coordinates, and integrates
the use of airspace in the theater. It has the capacity to display the current
air and surface situation, using data from many sources, and is responsible
to the ACA for developing airspace control procedures and coordinating
airspace control activities. The AOC plans mission requirements
and uses the ACP to deconflict missions and targets. The AOC ensures
that the ACP is compatible with current operational requirements and
capabilities.
11
Sub Units
Control
Conditional
Control
Figure 2.1 Theater Air Control System for Counterair Function