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Tenets of Air and Space Power: A Space Perspective

Posted on: Thursday, 8 July 2004, 06:00 CDT

SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS set air and space power apart from surface-force capabilities. As noted by Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 2-2, Space Operations (27 November 2001), Airmen "should not assume airpower and space power are interchangeable. Applying the operational art of war requires an understanding of the similarities and unique qualities of each" (p. 8). Understanding how space ops fits within these tenets helps Airmen employ the correct mix of forces to achieve desired effects. AFDD 2-2 outlines the following space power tenets:

Tenet One: Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution. This tenet provides the commander "oversight and ability to direct and coordinate component space forces through mission-type orders, while allowing component forces the flexibility to determine how they will employ their resources to achieve the mission" (p. 8). Once established in-theater, the director of space forces (DIRSPACEFOR), who holds the delegated position of space control authority, facilitates coordination between the joint force commander's (JFC) operational/tactical needs and national global/ strategic requirements.

Tenet Two: Flexibility and Versatility. These characteristics of space capabilities increase theJFC's options. "Air and space forces [allow exploitation of] mass and maneuver simultaneously to a far greater extent than surface forces" (p. 9). "Space forces, like air forces, operate simultaneously at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of war, increasing their versatility across the range of military operations" (p. 10). During Operation Iraqi Freedom, US forces conducted preemptive strikes on Iraqi leadership based on real-time satellite feeds to the cockpit, sent warning/ execution orders over satellite communication links, and delivered precision-guided munitions (PGM) using global positioning system (GPS) navigation and timing.

Tenet Three: Synergistic Effects. "Space forces enable synergistic effects that increase the capability of our forces" (p. 10). GPS receivers fitted to munitions transform "dumb bombs" into accurate, all-weather weapons. Operation Allied Force highlighted the synergy of these new "space-aided" weapons; the enemy could no longer rely on weather as a sanctuary.

Tenet Four: Persistence. "Space-based forces hold the ultimate high ground, offering the potential for permanent presence over any part of the globe" (p. 11). Satellites placed in specific orbits to produce required effects provide unmatched information collection and dissemination on a constant or recurring basis. Though a critical advantage for US forces, orbit predictability remains subject to passive defensive measures (such as cover, concealment, and deception) or active defensive measures (such as satellite jamming) by adversarial forces.

Tenet Five: Concentration. "Space forces contribute to the military's ability to concentrate effects" (p. 11). Space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as information systems-combined with the effects of PGMs-have exponentially increased the effectiveness of war fighters. Although attacking one target in World War II required multiple bomber sorties, the use of space now enables one aircraft to strike multiple targets. But like other low-density/ high-demand assets, space systems require strict attention to asset utilization to ensure the concentration of effects.

Tenet Six: Priority. "The use of space forces must be prioritized because the assets are finite and are exceeded by requirements" (p. 12). We must employ space forces to make the greatest contribution to both national and theater requirements. Space asset prioritization grows increasingly complex as the demand for these critical space capabilities (communications, weather, imagery, etc.) continues to rise.

Tenet Seven: Balance. "Space forces must be balanced against competing priorities" (p. 12). The global nature of space assets, as well as the responsibility for command and control, must reside in a commander who has a global perspective and the means to execute this responsibility. US Strategic Command fills this role for global space forces.

These seven tenets are applicable to both air and space. As our understanding of space capabilities evolves and the US military transforms, should we develop separate and distinct tenets for space power? Time will tell . . . as of 1 April 2004, AFDD 2-2 was reopened for revision.

LT COL PAULA FLAVELL, USAF

Copyright U.S. Superintendent of Documents Summer 2004

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