READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW
Air C2 in Corps Warfighting
the OPCEN with the delegated authority, training and resources to dynamically control air assets and airspace that have been allocated to the Corps / LCC; in effect a Combat Ops Directorate 1 capability‘ forward’.
Ex AF17 also highlighted the need to prioritise scarce assets in response to additional requests for air support from multiple Divisions in a high tempo situation. Such activity must be informed by the Corps Commander’ s priorities, driving the requirement for the designated Air C2 entity to be collocated with the Corps decision-makers. Some nations already maintain a similarly enabled capability for employment at the Divisional level; however, organisations such as the UK Air Support Operations Centre( ASOC) that exercised with the ARRC on AF17 are limited to a few NATO nations and are not yet aligned with the HRF( L) s. Indeed, should the ARRC deploy with up to 5 multi-national Divisions, it is likely that a number will not have the ability, or delegated authority, to control or coordinate aircraft and airspace that may be allocated to them. In summary, we need to enable a suitable entity with the functionality to support the Corps in prioritization of air assets across multiple divisions, the integration of Corps aviation and fires, and management of Corps battle space within a complex and contested environment.
The Plan …
So now that we have identified the issue, what is being done to address the challenge? At the NCS-level, HQ AIRCOM have instigated a study to investigate the functionality that an Air C2 entity would require to deliver an execute role at Corps level as described above. Using existing personnel and equipment from the DACCC 2, a nascent structure has been formed, modeled on the framework of the Divisional ASOC adopted by the UK and US; they have subsequently used numerous air-land exercises in Europe during 2017 to carry out differing levels of concept development. More recently and in parallel to the DACCC activity, HQ ARRC has assisted its development through our Concept, development and Experimentation programme during AF17. Supported by the UK ASOC, we investigated the challenges associated with a nascent Corps ASOC delivering a coordination role over the 5 subordinate Divisions in a complex and high tempo scenario where we were not able to consistently maintain control of the air. We were able to take many lessons forward, which we will provide to HQ AIRCOM to inform their ongoing study. The main lessons centered on the C2 arrangements and authorities required to deliver the coordination and controlling functions; these will likely inform the structure of the organisation and the necessary training and standardisation that the JFAC will dictate prior to delegating control authority. In addition, the Corps may have to examine the layout of the OPCEN so as to enable the most effective flow of information between the key functional areas; we may also need to consider the most appropriate individual that should be empowered to prioritise assets across the Corps. The next step for HQ ARRC will be the incorporation of a similar Air C2 capability on Ex DYNAMIC FRONT 18( Ex DF18) in March 18. This is intended to be a step up from AF17, where we will be supported by the DACCC from Poggio Renatico in addition to the UK ASOC and intend to implement the lessons identified during AF17 in a live, dynamic scenario; a truly exciting prospect.
Future Challenges
Beyond the current challenges of delivering an effective Air C2 within a Corps construct, lies a future issue for ALI that we will also need to address; integration of 5th Generation capability. At a recent Airpower Conference, COM AIRCOM highlighted 4th and 5th generation air platforms, such as the F-35, as potential Air Domain Game- Changers. However, although some platforms are nearing operational capability, we do not yet fully understand how we are going to integrate them into our planning or execute functions, which will be necessary in order to reap the maximum benefit these assets can provide. In particular, given the breadth of capability within a formation of 5th Gen aircraft, we may need to review our standard air support request process that focuses on APCLO missions such as CAS, AI and SCAR 3. A package of F-35s could provide shared SA through ISR, strike, localised control of the air and prioritise potential targets during one mission; the challenge will be ensuring that the Corps and associated Air C2 entity is integrated sufficiently to draw upon the vast amounts of information that will enable the continued integration of Land effects.
Summary
In summary, it is recognised that the effective integration of Air capability with organic Land effects will be key in a Corps war-fighting scenario. This can be achieved within the current NATO ALI construct but it is acknowledged to be sub-optimal and insufficiently dynamic to be effective in a high-tempo, complex and contested operational environment. HQ AIRCOM’ s current work to identify a potential solution is timely but the functionality required in a revised context must be understood fully before the form of any revised air C2 entity can be clearly defined. In the meantime, it is likely that National ASOCs will be required to provide a short-term‘ sticking plaster’ to provide NATO the time to develop an enduring, sustainable capability.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gp Capt Chris Mullen is Chief G3 Air within the Joint Fires and Influence Branch and Chief AOCC( L) at HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
2 Deployable Air Command and Control Centre, Poggio Renatico. 3 Close Air Support, Air Interdiction, Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance.
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