14 Nov 1994

Command

and Control for

Joint Air Operations

Joint Pub 3-56.1
Preface

Joint Pub 3-56.1 i

PREFACE

1. Scope

This publication provides fundamental

principles and doctrine for the command

and control of joint air operations

throughout the range of military

operations.

2. Purpose

This publication has been prepared

under the direction of the Chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff. It sets forth doctrine

and selected joint tactics, techniques, and

procedures (JTTP) to govern the joint

activities and performance of the Armed

Forces of the United States in joint

operations as well as the doctrinal basis

for US military involvement in

multinational and interagency operations.

It provides military guidance for the

exercise of authority by combatant

commanders and other joint force

commanders and prescribes doctrine and

selected tactics, techniques, and

procedures for joint operations and

training. It provides military guidance for

use by the Armed Forces in preparing their

appropriate plans. It is not the intent of

this publication to restrict the authority of

the joint force commander (JFC) from

organizing the force and executing the

mission in a manner the JFC deems most

appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the

accomplishment of the overall mission.

3. Application

a. Doctrine and selected tactics,

techniques, and procedures and guidance

established in this publication apply to the

commanders of combatant commands,

subunified commands, joint task forces,

and subordinate components of these

commands. These principles and guidance

also may apply when significant forces of

one Service are attached to forces of

another Service or when significant forces

of one Service support forces of another

Service.

b. The guidance in this publication is

authoritative; as such, this doctrine (or

JTTP) will be followed except when, in

the judgment of the commander,

exceptional circumstances dictate

otherwise. If conflicts arise between the

contents of this publication and the

contents of Service publications, this

publication will take precedence for the

activities of joint forces unless the

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,

normally in coordination with the other

members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has

provided more current and specific

guidance. Commanders of forces

operating as part of a multinational

(alliance or coalition) military command

should follow multinational doctrine and

guidance ratified by the United States. For

doctrine and procedures not ratified by the

United States, commanders should

evaluate and follow the multinational

command’s doctrine and procedures,

where applicable.

 T. R. PATRICK

 Colonel, USA

 Secretary, Joint Staff

For the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
Preface

ii

Intentionally Blank
iii

Table of Contents

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................. v

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

• Scope .......................................................................................... I-1

• Joint Air Operations ..................................................................... I-1

• Organizing Joint Forces ............................................................... I-2

• Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) ........................... I-3

• Summary .................................................................................... I-3

CHAPTER II

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMMAND AND

CONTROL OF JOINT AIR OPERATIONS

• Air Effort Available for Joint Air Operations ................................. II-1

• Designation of a JFACC .............................................................. II-2

• JFACC Authority and Command Relationships ........................... II-2

• JFACC Responsibilities ............................................................... II-2

• Airspace Control Considerations and the

JFACC/ACA/AADC Relationship .............................................. II-4

• JFACC Organization .................................................................. II-6

• Component Liaison .................................................................... II-7

• JFACC Staff ................................................................................ II-8

• JFACC Assignments and Transition ............................................ II-8

• JFC Staff Option in Joint Air Operations ................................... II-11

• JFC Staff Authority and Responsibilities ................................... II-11

• JFC Staff Organization and Manning ........................................ II-12

• Transition Between JFC Staff and JFACC ................................ II-12

CHAPTER III

PLANNING FOR JOINT AIR OPERATIONS

• Concept of Joint Air Operations Development ........................... III-1

• Joint Air Operations Plan ........................................................... III-2

• Joint Air Operations Planning Process ....................................... III-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents

iv Joint Pub 3-56.1

CHAPTER IV

TARGETING AND TASKING FOR JOINT AIR OPERATIONS

• Targeting ................................................................................................ IV-1

• Targeting Process ................................................................................... IV-1

• Targeting Responsibilities ....................................................................... IV-2

• The Joint Air Tasking Cycle .................................................................... IV-4

• Joint ATO Phases ................................................................................... IV-6

• Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and

 Intelligence (C4I) ................................................................................. IV-12

APPENDIX

A Joint Air Operations Plan Format ....................................................... A-1

B Liaison Elements Within the JAOC ..................................................... B-1

C Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC)

Divisions/Branches Descriptions .......................................................C-1

D References ..........................................................................................D-1

E Administrative Instructions .................................................................. E-1

GLOSSARY

Part 1 Abbreviations and Acronyms .................................................... GL-1

Part 2 Terms and Definitions ............................................................... GL-4

FIGURE

II-1 JFACC Responsibilities .................................................................... II-3

II-2 Airspace Control Procedures Characteristics .................................. II-4

II-3 Methods of Airspace Control ........................................................... II-5

II-4 Notional JFACC Organization .......................................................... II-6

II-5 JFACC Transition Considerations .................................................. II-10

III-1 Concept of Joint Air Operations Development ............................... III-1

III-2 Joint Air Operations Planning Process ........................................... III-3

IV-1 Targeting Cycle Phases ................................................................ IV-1

IV-2 JFACC/JFC Staff Targeting Responsibilities .................................. IV-3

IV-3 Notional Air Tasking Cycle ............................................................ IV-4

IV-4 Notional 48 Hour Joint ATO Timeline ............................................. IV-5
v

Executive Summary

Operational level relationships, policies, and procedures

provide the principles and options for command and control

(C2) of joint air operations through the designation of a

joint force air component commander (JFACC) or use

of the joint force commander’s (JFC) staff at the unified

command level, subordinate unified command level, or joint

task force level.

The JFC integrates the actions of assigned, attached, and

supporting forces into unified area of responsibility (AOR)/

joint operations area (JOA)-wide joint air operations. In

order to create synergism and avoid duplication of effort,

the JFC synchronizes the actions of assigned, attached, and

supporting capabilities/forces in time, space, and purpose.

The organization the JFC develops should be sufficiently

flexible to meet the planned phases of the contemplated

operations and any development that may necessitate a

change in the plan. Unity of effort is necessary for

effectiveness and efficiency. Centralized planning is

essential for controlling and coordinating the efforts of all

available forces. Decentralized execution is essential to

generate the tempo of operations required and to cope with

the uncertainty, disorder, and fluidity of combat.

Fundamental principles

and doctrine for the

command and control

(C2) of joint air

operations ensure unity

of effort for the benefit of

the joint force as a whole.

Joint air operations are

those air operations

performed with air

capabilities/forces made

available by components

in support of the joint

force commander’s

(JFC’s) operation or

campaign objectives or in

support of other

components of the joint

force.

The JFC develops a

concept of operation and

organizes forces based on

that concept in order to

accomplish the assigned

mission.

General Considerations for Joint Air Operations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

COMMANDER'S OVERVIEW

•

•

•

•

Discusses the Nature of Joint Air Operations

Provides General Considerations for Command and Control

of Joint Air Operations

Covers Planning for Joint Air Operations

Discusses Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations
vi

Executive Summary

Joint Pub 3-56.1

The JFC may designate a

joint force air component

commander (JFACC) or

directly plan, direct, and

control joint air

operations.

The framework and

processes for C2 of joint

air operations are

consistent, although

missions vary widely

across the range of

military operations from

war to military operations

other than war

(MOOTW).

The air capabilities/

forces made available for

JFACC or JFC staff

planning and tasking are

determined by the JFC,

in consultation with

component commanders,

and are based on the

assigned objectives and

the concept of operations.

The JFC will normally designate a JFACC to exploit the

capabilities of joint air operations through a cohesive joint

air operations plan and a responsive and integrated control

system. When a JFACC is not designated, the JFC may

plan, direct, and control joint air operations.

Unity of effort, centralized planning, and decentralized

execution are as important in military operations other

than war (MOOTW) as in war. Strategies, objectives,

centers of gravity, targets, and adversaries apply in MOOTW

as well as in war, but may require an expanded perspective

to identify them. By taking this into consideration, the JFC

can effectively apply the joint doctrine for C2 of joint air

operations in myriad, divergent situations.

Component commanders make air capabilities/forces

available to the JFC for tasking to support the joint force

as a whole. These capabilities/forces are tasked directly

by the JFC or by the JFACC based on the JFC’s air

apportionment decision. Only the JFC has the authority to

reassign, redirect, or reallocate a component’s direct support

air capabilities/forces. Component capabilities/forces not

available for joint air tasking must still comply with the

airspace control order (ACO) and Special Instructions

(SPINS).

Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

F-15 Firing Air-to-air Missile
vii

Executive Summary

The need for a JFACC is based on the JFC’s overall

mission, concept of operations, the missions and tasks

assigned to subordinate commanders, forces available,

duration and nature of joint air operations desired, and the

degree of unity of command and control of joint air

operations required. The authority and command

relationships of the JFACC are established by the JFC.

These typically include exercising operational control over

assigned and attached forces and tactical control over other

military capabilities/forces made available for tasking. The

responsibilities of the JFACC include, but are not limited

to planning, coordinating, allocating, and tasking joint air

operations based on the JFC’s concept of operations and

air apportionment decision.

The functions and responsibilities of the JFACC,

airspace control authority (ACA), and area air defense

commander (AADC) must be integrated in order to unite

joint air operations with joint airspace control and joint air

defense operations in support of the JFC’s campaign. These

functions include developing, coordinating, and publishing

airspace control procedures, operating the airspace control

system, and integrating the joint force air defense effort.

Depending on the environment, mission, and location

throughout the full range of potential military operations,

the degree of control may need to be more rigorous and the

rules of engagement may need to be more restrictive. This

is especially true in a MOOTW environment that can

transition quickly from combat to noncombat and back again

and often has constraints on the forces, weapons, tactics

employed, and the level of violence. Consequently, as a

minimum, in MOOTW environments prone to such

fluctuations, all air missions, including both fixed- and

rotary-wing of all components, must appear on the

appropriate air tasking order (ATO) and/or flight plan.

In addition, all aircraft must monitor a common

frequency and operate on designated identification

friend or foe (IFF) modes and codes, which must be

appropriately checked prior to mission start. In cases

of high density aircraft operations, such as in a properly

designated high density airspace control zone or amphibious

objective area published on the ACO, aircraft may operate

without an ATO mission number. This type of rigorous

control is necessary during such MOOTW because the mix

of friendly, enemy, and neutral aircraft and mission

constraints requires the JFC to strictly control flights in the

The JFC will normally

designate a JFACC .

The responsibilities of the

JFACC, airspace control

authority, and area air

defense commander are

interrelated and should

normally be assigned to

one individual.

The degree of control

needed in the transitional

environment of MOOTW

may vary.
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Executive Summary

Joint Pub 3-56.1

AOR/JOA (e.g., peace operations). No matter what methods

the JFC chooses, they need to be continually evaluated for

effectiveness and efficiency as the environment and mission

change.

The JFACC’s joint air operations center (JAOC) is

structured to operate as a fully integrated facility and staffed

to fulfill all of the JFACC’s responsibilities. The two

organizations or functions which should be common to all

JAOCs are Combat Plans (future joint air operations) and

Combat Operations (execution of the daily joint ATO).

The role of intelligence is also extremely important and is

an integral part of the daily function of Combat Plans and

Combat Operations.

Senior component liaisons serve as conduits for direct

coordination between the JFACC and their respective

component commanders. Coordination elements provide

liaison elements that work within the JAOC, consisting of

specialists who provide component planning and tasking

expertise and coordination capabilities. They help integrate

and coordinate their component's participation in joint air

operations and coordinate and deconflict component direct

support air operations with joint air operations. Functional

area and mission experts provide the critical and unique

expertise in support, plans, and execution functions, as

appropriate for the employment scenario.

Assignment of a JFACC ashore, assignment of a seabased JFACC, a JFACC transition (including planned

The JFACC’s operations

center will often be

designated a joint air

operations center.

The components have

ready access to the

JFACC and staff through

the component liaisons.

These liaisons work for

their respective

component commanders

and work with the

JFACC and staff.

Carrier Eisenhower under way.
ix

Executive Summary

and unplanned transitions), and attendant transition

events must be considered. Other considerations required

are for continuous, uninterrupted, and unambiguous

guidance; appropriate command, control, communications,

computers, and intelligence capabilities; specific procedures

for coordinating and executing planned and unplanned shifts

of the JFACC; adequate communications; current joint

ATO; the JFC’s objectives; and the familiarity with the area

air defense and airspace control plans.

Designation of a JFACC may not be required when a

conflict or situation is of limited duration, scope, and/

or complexity. The JFC would coordinate span of control,

unity of effort, staff authority and responsibilities, execution,

joint airspace control, joint air defense, supporting

operations, the JFC staff organization and manning, and

the transition between JFC staff to JFACC.

The JFC’s strategic appreciation of the political, economic,

military, and social forces affecting the AOR/JOA and the

articulation of strategic and operational objectives needed

to accomplish the mission form the basis for determining

components’ objectives.

The joint air operations plan documents the JFACC’s plan

for integrating and coordinating joint air operations. The

joint air operation plan encompasses operations of joint air

capabilities/forces. A selected team of planners and weapon

systems experts from each component enables consideration

and understanding of all component capabilities/forces.

Operational Environment Research is primarily the

intelligence preparation of the battlespace and gathering

in-depth knowledge of the operational environment to gain

understanding of the theater of operations, the adversary,

and friendly forces.

Objective Determination defines and quantifies objectives

that will contribute to the accomplishment of the JFC’s

operation or campaign objectives.

Extensive planning is

necessary when there is

transition of JFACC

responsibilities.

In some situations,

designation of a JFACC

is not required.

Planning for joint air

operations begins with

understanding the joint

force mission.

Joint air operations

constitute an integral

part of the JFC’s

operation or campaign

plan.

There are five phases in

the air operations

planning process:

1. Operational

Environment Research

2. Objective

Determination

Planning for Joint Air Operations
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Executive Summary

Joint Pub 3-56.1

Strategy Identification in a clearly defined air strategy

statement states how the JFACC plans to exploit air

capabilities/forces to support the JFC’s objectives.

Center(s) of Gravity (COG) Identification is the

identification of those adversary COGs which should be

attacked to satisfy the JFC’s strategic, operational, and

tactical objectives and friendly COGs that should be

defended.

Joint Air Operations Plan Development details how joint

air operations will support the JFC’s operation or campaign

plan. During this phase, planners integrate the efforts of

joint capabilities/forces, prioritize objectives and targets

while accounting for current and potential threats, and

conduct target development/system analysis. They also

phase joint air operations with the JFC’s operation or

campaign plan, indicating what capabilities/forces will be

required to achieve joint air operations objectives. Finally,

during this phase, planners will complete a sustainability

assessment and delineate the specific procedures for

allocating, tasking, and exercising C2 of available air

capabilities/forces.

Targeting occurs and is performed at all levels of

command. An effective and efficient target development

process and air tasking cycle is essential for the JFACC/

JFC staff to plan and execute joint air operations.

3. Strategy Identification

4. Center(s) of Gravity

Identification

5. Joint Air Operations

Plan Development

Targeting is the process

of selecting targets and

matching the appropriate

response to them.

F-117 refueling.

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations
xi

Executive Summary

Targeting is a cyclical

process.

The JFACC/JFC staff

develops a joint air

operations plan that

accomplishes the

objectives directed by the

JFC.

A joint air tasking cycle

is used for the efficient

and effective employment

of the joint air

capabilities/forces.

There are six phases to

the joint air tasking order

(ATO) cycle:

1. JFC/Component

Coordination

2. Target Development

3. Weaponeering/

Allocation

The targeting cycle begins with objectives and guidance

issued by the JFC and includes target development,

weaponeering assessment, force application, execution

planning/force execution, and combat assessment.

Synchronization, integration, deconfliction, allocation of

air capabilities/forces, and matching appropriate weapons

against target vulnerabilities are essential targeting functions

of the JFACC. Components should provide the JFACC

with a description of their direct support plan to allow for

coordination and deconfliction of targeting efforts between

each component and within the JFC staff and agencies.

The joint air tasking cycle provides a repetitive process

for the planning, coordination, allocation, and tasking of

joint air missions/sorties and accommodates changing

tactical situations or JFC guidance as well as requests for

support from other component commanders. The full joint

ATO cycle from JFC guidance to the start of ATO execution

is dependent on the JFC’s procedures, but each ATO period

usually covers a 24-hour period. The joint ATO matches

specific targets compiled by the JFACC/JFC staff with

the capabilities/forces made available to the JFACC for

the given joint ATO day.

Phase 1, JFC/Component Coordination. The JFC

consults with his component commanders to assess the

results of the warfighting effort. This provides component

commanders an opportunity to introduce recommendations,

support requirements, and state their ability to support other

components. JFC’s will normally apportion the air effort

by priority or percentage of effort into geographic areas,

against mission-type orders, and/or by categories significant

for the campaign.

Phase 2, Target Development. The specific objectives

received during phase 1 are used to focus target

development. In accordance with JFC’s objectives and

component targeting requirements, the JFACC/JFC staff will

develop the joint air operations plan to employ available

joint air capabilities/forces. The end product is a prioritized

list of targets--the Joint Integrated Prioritized Target List.

Phase 3, Weaponeering/Allocation. Targeting personnel

quantify the expected results of lethal and nonlethal weapons

employment against prioritized targets including
xii

Executive Summary

Joint Pub 3-56.1

4. Joint ATO

Development

5. Force Execution

6. Combat Assessment

recommended aimpoints, target identification and

description, and other pertinent information. The final

prioritized target nominations are then included into the

Master Air Attack Plan (MAAP). The resulting MAAP is

the employment plan that forms the foundation of the joint

ATO. Following the JFC air apportionment decision, the

JFACC/JFC staff translates that decision into total number

of sorties by aircraft or weapon type available for each

operation/task they support.

Phase 4, Joint ATO Development. After the MAAP is

approved by the JFACC (JFC under the JFC staff option),

detailed preparations continue by Combat Plans section on

the joint ATO, SPINS, and the ACO. The JAOC reviews

each air capable component’s allocation decision/Air

Allocation Request message and may prepare a sortie

allotment message back to the components as required.

Phase 5, Force Execution. The JFACC/JFC staff directs

the execution and/or deconflicts all capabilities/forces made

available for a given ATO. The JFC may give the JFACC

the authority to redirect joint air operations.

Phase 6, Combat Assessment . Combat assessment is done

at all levels of the joint force and evaluates combat

operations effectiveness in achieving command objectives.

A Tomahawk cruise missile destroys a target during tests.
xiii

Executive Summary

The JFACC/JFC staff is

responsible for planning

and activating all

validated joint air

communications links

that support the JFC’s

mission and allow

accomplishment of the

JFC directives.

The successful integration of the joint air effort depends on

the ability to exchange information via reliable secure

communications with the JFC, joint force staff, and

component commanders. Planning for all information

exchange requirements and procedures must consider

emission control requirements and operations security.

CONCLUSION

Successful use of joint air forces to support the JFC's

operation or campaign plan requires unity of effort,

centralized planning, and decentralized execution. The JFC

normally designates a JFACC to provide C2 of these joint

air capabilities/forces. The processes and framework used

are consistent across the range of military operations.

Blackhawk Helicopter
xiv

Executive Summary

Joint Pub 3-56.1

Intentionally Blank
I-1

Introduction

"The lesson from the last war that stands out clearly above all the others is

that if you want to go anywhere in modern war, in the air, on the sea, on

the land, you must have command of the air."

Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey to Congress after World War II

1. Scope

This publication provides fundamental

principles and doctrine for the command

and control (C2) of joint air operations

throughout the range of military

operations in order to ensure unity of effort

for the benefit of the joint force as a whole.

This publication addresses operational

relationships, policies, procedures, and

options for C2 of joint air operations

through the designation of a joint force

air component commander (JFACC) or

use of the joint force commander’s

(JFC) staff. Commanders of unified

commands, subordinate unified

commands, and joint task forces (JTFs)

should establish implementation policies

and procedures within their commands.

Variations to the relationships and

procedures contained herein may be

necessary to accommodate theater specific

needs, but such variations must be the

exception rather than the rule.

2. Joint Air Operations

Joint air operations are those air

operations performed with air

capabilities/forces made available by

components in support of the JFC’s

operation or campaign objectives, or in

support of other components of the

joint force. Joint air operations do not

include those air operations that a

component conducts in direct support of

itself.

a. Assigned, attached, and supporting

forces may provide direct support to

certain components while also providing

the JFC an operational level force

capability that can be employed separately

as part of a broader operation. The JFC

Flight of F-16 Aircraft

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
Chapter I

I-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

integrates the actions of assigned,

attached, and supporting forces into

unified area of responsibility (AOR)/joint

operations area (JOA)-wide joint air

operations.

b. In order to create synergism and

avoid duplication of effort, the JFC

synchronizes the actions of assigned,

attached, and supporting capabilities/

forces in time, space, and purpose. The

JFC must exploit the unique

characteristics of all capabilities/forces

to achieve assigned objectives as rapidly

and as effectively as possible.

3. Organizing Joint Forces

In order to accomplish the assigned

mission, the JFC develops a concept of

operation and organizes forces based on

that concept. The organization should be

sufficiently flexible to meet the planned

phases of the contemplated operations and

any development that may necessitate a

change in the plan, while preserving the

responsiveness of individual component

capabilities. Sound organization should

provide for unity of effort, centralized

planning, and decentralized execution.

Unity of effort is necessary for

effectiveness and efficiency. Centralized

planning is essential for controlling and

coordinating the efforts of all available

forces. Decentralized execution is

essential to generate the tempo of

operations required and to cope with the

uncertainty, disorder, and fluidity of

combat. The JFC may elect to centralize

selected functions within the joint force,

but should strive to avoid reducing the

versatility, responsiveness, and initiative

of subordinate forces, as in the policy for

C2 of USMC TACAIR during sustained

operations ashore. Most often, joint forces

are organized with a combination of

Service and functional component

commands, with their authority and

responsibilities defined by the JFC. The

JFACC is an example of a functional

component commander. (See Joint Pubs

0-2, “Unified Action Armed Forces

(UNAAF),” and 3-0, “Doctrine for Joint

Operations.”)

a. The JFC will normally designate

a JFACC to exploit the capabilities of

joint air operations. The JFACC directs

this exploitation through a cohesive joint

air operations plan (centralized planning)

and a responsive and integrated control

system (decentralized execution).

F-18 Aircraft
I-3

Introduction

"There has been a tendency to overemphasize long-range bombardment,

and to ignore the versatile application

of air power. Our Air Forces were used

for any mission considered important,

at any given moment.

Especially misleading is the

distinction made between strategic

and tactical air forces. That

distinction is not valid in describing the

use of air power as a whole, day after

day.

For instance, the primary mission of

the strategic forces was to destroy the

enemy's war industries, to deprive him

of means to fight. But these same

bombers, and their fighter escorts of

the strategic air forces, constituted the

heaviest striking power at General

Eisenhower's command to sweep the

Luftwaffe from the air, to isolate

German ground forces from

reinforcements and supplies, and to

spark the advance of our ground

troops by visual and radar

cooperation".

Carl "Tooey" Spaatz

b. In cases where a JFACC is not

designated, the JFC may plan, direct,

and control joint air operations. If this

option is exercised by the JFC, the JFC’s

staff will assist to provide direction and

coordination of the capabilities/forces

assigned to the joint force. Throughout

this pub the convention “JFACC/JFC

staff ” is used to imply that the procedures

are the same under either option.

4. Military Operations Other

Than War (MOOTW)

Though missions vary widely across the

range of military operations from war to

MOOTW, the framework and processes

for C2 of joint air operations are

consistent. Unity of effort, centralized

planning, and decentralized execution are

as important in MOOTW as in war. The

doctrine and procedures in this

publication talk about such things as

strategies, objectives, centers of gravity,

targets, and adversaries. In war these are

often relatively easy to develop and

determine. The JFC must realize that they

also apply in MOOTW, but may require

an expanded perspective to identify. For

example, in war, an objective may be to

stop an enemy’s armored advance, which

could involve dropping bombs. By

contrast, in MOOTW, an objective may

be to stop a refugee exodus which could

involve dropping food and supplies. In

war, a center of gravity may be the

adversary’s industrial capacity, while in

MOOTW it may be the need to feed the

populace. While a target in war may be a

power plant, in MOOTW it may be a drop

zone for food and supplies. Finally, in

war the adversary may be clear to

determine, while in MOOTW it may be

less recognizable and include such things

as drought. Though the converse of all

these examples could also be true (e.g.,

there may be a need to combat starvation

in war), by using a broadened perspective

the JFC can effectively apply the joint

doctrine for C2 of joint air operations in

each situation.

5. Summary

Successful unified action across the

range of military operations depends on

unity of effort among all assigned,

attached, and supporting forces. The JFC

should exploit the unique characteristics

of forces that maximize the military effect

to achieve strategic aims as rapidly as

possible, while saving lives, minimizing

cost, and achieving victory. The JFC

normally designates a JFACC to integrate

and exploit the joint airpower capabilities

of different nations, Services, and

components. However, under the

circumstances that are addressed in

Chapter II, the JFC may elect to use the
Chapter I

I-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

JFC staff option. In either case, joint air

operations are planned and conducted to

maximize the total combat power and

synergy of the aggregate air effort in

support of the JFC’s operation or

campaign plan.

CACTUS AIR FORCE

One of the more historic examples of an effective joint air force evolved,

ironically, from the struggle for Midway in 1942, where uncoordinated

air strikes from three separate sources proved largely impotent. The

joint air component, known as the “Cactus Air Force,” formed in August

of 1942 and provided air support to the American campaign in the

strategic Pacific Solomon Islands. The onslaught of this campaign

occurred on Guadalcanal and Tulagi, where amphibious landings were

supported by carrier air and augmented by long range bombers based

on New Hebrides. However, by D+2, the carriers were withdrawn and

the long distance from New Hebrides rendered ineffective the land based

bombers. Thus, out of necessity was born the Cactus Air Force. Based

on Guadalcanal, the unit brought together a Marine fighter and a dive

bomber squadron (both squadrons were carrier launched), five Army

Air Force P- 400 aircraft (a low altitude export version of the P39 fighter),

and a Navy dive bomber squadron from the USS Enterprise.

Indeed, transforming this “pick-up” air force into AIRCACTUS, and, in

February of 1943, AIRSOLS, a hallmark joint air command, was neither

an easy task nor was it achieved all at once. Air operations were

challenging and diverse. Missions not only defended the surrounding

airspace, but also supported amphibious assaults and attacked enemy

naval forces. Bomber strikes were launched against Japanese bases

and installations throughout the Solomon Chain. Command and Control

of the new joint air force was equally challenging. Brig. Gen. Roy S.

Geiger, (the first COMAIRSOLS) frequently changed his C2 to adjust and

render support to the “island hopping” campaign. One of these

“adjustments” resulted in the forming of two subordinate commands:

the Strike command, made up of Marine and Navy attack aircraft to attack

enemy shipping; and, the Bomber command, of long range Army Air

Force and Navy patrol aircraft to conduct long range bombing and search

operations. Likewise, the COMAIRSOLS and his staff were required to

maintain flexibility in the Planning discipline. The multi-faceted

Solomons air campaign required that they develop plans quickly and

that these plans reflected a wide range of air support capabilities. Again,

the uniquely diverse Cactus Air Force proved appropriate for the

situation. Indeed, their accomplishments represent one of the more

notable achievements with regard to inter-service cooperation in military

history.

SOURCE: James A. Winnefeld and Dana J. Johnson, "Joint Air

Operations", Annapolis, Naval Institute Press, 1993

(Summarized by Winston R. Schmidt)
II-1

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

"Air power is indivisible. If you split it up into compartments, you merely

pull it to pieces and destroy its greatest asset - its flexibility."

Field Marshal Montgomery

AV-8 Aircraft

CHAPTER II

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COMMAND AND

 CONTROL OF JOINT AIR OPERATIONS

1. Air Effort Available for

Joint Air Operations

The air capabilities/forces made

available for JFACC or JFC (under

the JFC staff option) planning and

tasking are determined by the JFC, in

consultation with component commanders, and based on the assigned

objectives and the concept of operations.

a. Component commanders make

capabilities/forces available to the JFC for

tasking to support the joint force as a

whole based on assigned component

missions and JFC guidance. These

capabilities/forces are tasked directly by

the JFC or by the JFACC based on the

JFC’s air apportionment decision.

b. Only the JFC has the authority to

reassign, redirect, or reallocate a

component’s direct support air

capabilities/forces. When a component

does not have the organic air capabilities/

forces to support their assigned mission,

the JFACC or JFC will task available joint

air capabilities/forces (through the joint

ATO) based on the JFC’s air

apportionment decision. An

understanding of what defines component

direct support air capabilities/forces and

joint air capabilities/forces is necessary.

Component direct support air

capabilities/forces are those air

capabilities/forces organic to a

component that are used by the

component to accomplish its assigned

mission. When appropriate, they appear

on the joint ATO for coordination and

deconfliction purposes.
Chapter II

II-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

c. Component capabilities/forces not

available for joint air tasking must still

comply with the airspace control order

(ACO) and special instructions (SPINS).

2. Designation of a JFACC

The JFC will normally designate a

JFACC. The JFC will base the decision

to designate a JFACC on several factors

such as: JFC’s overall mission, concept

of operations, the missions and tasks

assigned to subordinate commanders,

forces available, duration and nature of

joint air operations desired, and the degree

of unity of command and control of joint

air operations required. The JFC will

normally assign JFACC responsibilities

to the component commander having

the preponderance of air assets and the

capability to plan, task, and control

joint air operations.

3. JFACC Authority and

Command Relationships

The authority and command

relationships of the JFACC are established

by the JFC. These typically include

exercising operational control

(OPCON) over assigned and attached

forces and tactical control (TACON)

over other military capabilities/forces

made available for tasking. The JFC

may also establish supporting and

supported relationships between

components to facilitate operations. The

JFC normally assigns missions and issues

mission-type orders to all components.

With receipt of the mission goes the

authority to conduct operations in

accordance with the JFC’s intent and

concept of the operation.

4. JFACC Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the JFACC are

assigned by the JFC. These include, but

are not limited to: planning,

coordination, allocation, and tasking of

joint air operations based on the JFC’s

concept of operations and air

apportionment decision. Specific

JFACC responsibilities normally include

(also shown in Figure II-1):

a. Developing a joint air operations

plan to best support joint force objectives

as assigned by the JFC or higher authority.

b. Recommending to the JFC

apportionment of the joint air effort,

after consulting with other component

commanders, by percentage and/or by

priority that should be devoted to the

various air operations and/or geographic

areas for a given period of time.

c. Providing centralized direction for

the allocation and tasking of capabilities/

forces made available based on the JFC

air apportionment.

d. Controlling execution of joint air

operations as specified by the JFC, to

include making timely adjustments to

targeting and tasking of available joint

capabilities/forces. If circumstances

require the JFACC to change the

planned joint air operations during

execution, the JFACC will notify the

affected component commanders or

JFC, as appropriate.

e. Coordinating joint air operations

with operations of other component

commanders and forces assigned to or

supporting the JFC [e.g., combat search

and rescue (CSAR) operations, the joint

force special operations component

commander (JFSOCC), and if designated,

the joint special operations air component

commander (JSOACC) for

integration, synchronization, and

deconfliction with special operations].
II-3

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

f. Evaluating the results of joint air

operations and forwarding combat

assessments to the JFC to support the

overall combat assessment effort.

g. Performing the duties of the

airspace control authority (ACA), when

assigned that responsibility by the JFC.

h. Performing the duties of the area

air defense commander (AADC), when

assigned that responsibility by the JFC.

i. Functioning as the supported

commander for:

• Counterair operations.

• Strategic attack operations, when joint

air operations constitute the bulk of

the capability needed to directly attack

enemy strategic centers of gravity.

• Theater airborne reconnaissance and

surveillance.

• The JFC’s overall air interdiction

effort.

•• Interdiction target priorities

within the land or naval force areas

of operations (AOs) are designated by

the land and naval component

commanders.

•• These priorities are considered

along with the JFC’s AOR/JOA-wide

interdiction priorities and reflected in

the air apportionment decision. The

JFACC will use these priorities to plan

and execute the AOR/JOA-wide

interdiction effort.

j. Functioning as a supporting

commander, as directed by the JFC, for

operations such as close air support, air

interdiction within the land and naval

component AOs, and maritime support.

Figure II-1. JFACC Responsibilities

JFACC RESPONSIBILITIES

Developing a joint air operations plan to best support joint force

objectives

Recommending to the JFC apportionment of the joint air effort, after

consulting with other component commanders

Providing centralized direction for the allocation and tasking of

capabilities/forces made available

Controlling execution of joint operations as specified by the JFC

Coordinating joint air operations with operations of other component

commanders and forces assigned to or supporting

the JFC

Evaluating the results of joint air operations

When assigned by the JFC, performing the duties of the airspace

control authority (ACA) and/or performing the duties of the area air

defense commander (AADC)

Functioning as a supported and supporting commander, as directed

by the JFC
Chapter II

II-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

5. Airspace Control

Considerations and the

JFACC/ACA/AADC

Relationship

The responsibilities of the JFACC,

ACA, and AADC are interrelated and

should normally be assigned to one

individual. The functions and

responsibilities of the JFACC, ACA, and

AADC must be integrated in order to unite

joint air operations with joint airspace

control and joint air defense operations in

support of the JFC’s campaign.

Designating one component commander

as JFACC, AADC, and ACA may simplify

coordination required to develop and

execute fully integrated joint air

operations. If conditions do not permit

this assignment, then close coordination

between all three positions is essential.

Joint Pub 3-52, "Doctrine for Joint

Airspace Control in the Combat Zone,"

provides further guidance on the AADC

and ACA.

a. If appointed the AADC, the

JFACC is responsible for integrating

the joint force air defense effort. Air

defense operations must be coordinated

with other tactical operations on and over

both land and sea.

b. If appointed the ACA, the JFACC

is responsible for developing,

coordinating, and publishing airspace

control procedures and for operating

the airspace control system in the AOR/

JOA. Characteristics of procedures used

to deconflict in time and space, coordinate

and integrate the activities of all users of

airspace (including fixed- and rotarywinged aircraft) are shown in Figure II-2.

All missions are subject to the ACO of

the ACA; however, centralized direction

by the ACA does not imply OPCON or

TACON over any air assets.

c. Methods to accomplish this

deconfliction, coordination, and

integration vary throughout the range of

military operations from war to MOOTW

that include both combat and noncombat

activities. The methods range from

positive control of all air assets in an

airspace control area to procedural

control of all such assets, with any

effective combination of positive and

procedural control between the two

extremes. Figure II-3 shows the

characteristics of the two methods. It is

up to the JFC, through the airspace control

plan (ACP), to decide the appropriate

method based on the concept of

operations.

Figure II-2. Airspace Control Procedures

Characteristics

PREVENT MUTUAL

INTERFERENCE

FACILITATE AIR DEFENSE

IDENTIFICATION

SAFELY ACCOMMODATE

AND EXPEDITE THE

FLOW OF ALL AIR

TRAFFIC IN THE AOR/JOA

ENHANCE

EFFECTIVENESS IN

ACCOMPLISHING THE

JFC'S OBJECTIVES

PREVENT FRATRICIDE

AIRSPACE CONTROL

PROCEDURES

CHARACTERISTICS
II-5

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

d. MOOTW in a Transitional

Environment. Depending on the

environment, mission, and location

throughout the range of military

operations, the degree of control may need

to be rigorous and the rules of engagement

(ROE) may be more restrictive. This is

especially true in a MOOTW environment

that can transition quickly from combat

to noncombat and back again and often

has constraints on the forces, weapons,

tactics employed, and level of violence.

Consequently, as a minimum, in

MOOTW environments prone to such

fluctuations, all air missions, including

both fixed- and rotary-wing of all

components, must appear on the

appropriate ATO and/or flight plan. In

addition, all aircraft must monitor a

common frequency and operate on

designated identification, friend or foe

(IFF) modes and codes, which must be

appropriately checked prior to mission

start. In cases of high density aircraft

operations, such as in a properly

designated high density airspace control

zone (HIDACZ) or amphibious objective

area (AOA), published on the ACO,

aircraft may operate without an ATO

mission number. This type of rigorous

control is necessary during such MOOTW

because the mix of friendly, enemy, and

neutral aircraft and mission constraints

require the JFC to strictly control flights

in the AOR/JOA (e.g., peace operations).

No matter what methods the JFC chooses,

they need to be continually evaluated for

effectiveness and efficiency as the

environment and mission change. For a

full discussion of the methods of and

responsibilities for joint airspace control

throughout the range of military

operations, see Joint Pub 3-52 “Doctrine

for Joint Airspace Control in the Combat

Zone.”

METHODS

OF

AIRSPACE CONTROL

FULL POSITIVE

CONTROL

POSITIVELY IDENTIFIES,

TRACKS & DIRECTS AIR

ASSETS USING:

RADARS

OTHER SENSORS

IFF/SIF

DIGITAL DATA LINKS

OTHER ELEMENTS OF

THE C4 SYSTEM

FULL PROCEDURAL

CONTROL

RELIES ON PREVIOUSLY

AGREED TO & PROMULGATED AIRSPACE

CONTROL MEASURES

SUCH AS:

COMPREHENSIVE AIR

DEFENSE ID PROCEDURES

& ROE

LOW LEVEL TRANSIT

ROUTES

AIRCRAFT ID MANEUVERS

FIRE SUPPORT

COORDINATION MEASURES

COORDINATING ALTITUDES

MINIMUM RISK ROUTES

Figure II-3. Methods of Airspace

Control
Chapter II

II-6 Joint Pub 3-56.1

Figure II-4. Notional JFACC Organization

JFACC/

DEPUTY JFACC

SERVICE/FUNCTIONAL

COMPONENT COMMANDERS COMMAND

SECTION

AIR STRATEGY

CURRENT

OPERATIONS

WEATHER

SUPPORT

OPERATIONS

SUPPORT

JOINT SEARCH AND

RESCUE CENTER

INTEL PLANS INTEL OPS

ATO

PRODUCTION AND

DEVELOPMENT

*

LEGEND:

COORDINATION

C2 * - if assigned by JFC

SENIOR COMPONENT

LIAISONS

PERSONNEL INTEL OPS LOGISTICS COMM SJA

NOTIONAL JFACC ORGANIZATION (JAOC)

COMBAT PLANS COMBAT OPERATIONS

AIRSPACE/COMMAND AND CONTROL

COMPONENT LIAISONS

6. JFACC Organization

Figure II-4 represents a notional JFACC

organization. The JFACC’s operations

 center will often be designated a joint air

operations center (JAOC).
II-7

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

a. The JFACC’s JAOC is structured to

operate as a fully integrated facility and

staffed to fulfill all of the JFACC’s

responsibilities. JFACC organizations

may differ based on the specific AOR/

JOA requirements and operations.

However, the two organizations or

functions that should be common to all

JAOCs are Combat Plans and Combat

Operations. Planning “future joint air

operations” is the responsibility of

Combat Plans, which includes the

responsibility of drafting the joint air

operations plan to support the JFC’s

campaign or objectives and building the

daily joint ATO. Execution of the daily

joint ATO is carried out by Combat

Operations. This organization closely

follows the action of current joint air

operations, shifting missions from their

scheduled times or targets and making

other adjustments as the situation requires.

b. Each of these JAOC organizations

rely on expertise from other component

liaisons (e.g., battlefield coordination

element (BCE), naval and amphibious

liaison element (NALE), Air Force liaison

element (AFLE), special operations

liaison element (SOLE), air mobility

element (AME), strategic liaison team

(STRATLAT), space liaison officer

(SLO), Marine liaison officer (MARLO))

to coordinate requests or requirements and

maintain an “up-to-date” picture of the

other component operations.

c. Finally, the role of “intelligence” is

extremely important and is an integral

part of the daily function of Combat Plans

and Combat Operations. Intelligence

personnel monitor and assess adversary

capabilities and intentions and provide

assistance in target, weapon, and platform

selection, conduct battle damage

assessment, as well as, provide an up-todate picture of the adversary, expected

adversary operations, and the status and

priority of assigned targets to assist in

execution day changes.

7. Component Liaison

The components have ready access to

the JFACC and staff through the

component liaisons. These liaisons work

for their respective component

commanders and work with the JFACC

and staff.

a. Senior Component Liaisons.

Senior component liaisons serve as conduits

for direct coordination between the JFACC

and their respective component

commanders. Senior liaisons possess the

credibility and authority to represent

their component commander on time

sensitive and critical issues. They must be

equipped and authorized to communicate

directly with their respective component

commander. The senior liaisons have the

responsibility of presenting component

perspectives and considerations regarding

planning and executing joint air operations.

b. Coordination Elements. Each

component normally provides liaison

elements (BCE, NALE, SOLE, and others

as appropriate) that work within the

JAOC. These liaison elements consist of

experienced warfare specialists who

provide component planning and tasking

expertise and coordination capabilities.

These experts help integrate and

coordinate their component’s participation

in joint air operations (e.g., special

operations force (SOF)) and coordinate

"Once the command of the air is

obtained by one of the contending

armies, the war must become a

conflict between a seeing host and

one that is blind."

H.G. Wells
Chapter II

II-8 Joint Pub 3-56.1

and deconflict component direct support

air operations with joint air operations.

(See Appendix B, “Liaison Elements

Within the JAOC”.)

8. JFACC Staff

The JFACC’s staff should be organized

and manned so that component

representation reflects the composition

of the joint force. This representation

will provide the JFACC with the expertise

needed to effectively employ the

capabilities/forces made available.

Functional component staffs require

advanced planning for efficient

operations. JFACC staff billets for

needed expertise and individuals to fill

those billets should be identified. Such

individuals should be identified and

trained during peacetime and used when

JFACC staffs are formed for exercises and

actual operations to ensure an effective

transition to combat operations. JFACC

staffs should include appropriate

component representation at all levels.

a. Functional Area and Mission

Experts. Functional area experts (such

as intelligence, logistics, airspace, plans,

and communications) provide the critical

and unique expertise in support, plans, and

execution functions, as appropriate for the

employment scenario. Mission experts

(air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance,

air refueling, and others as appropriate)

provide the technical warfighting

expertise required to plan and employ

capabilities/forces made available by the

components. Functional and mission

experts from other components

representing weapon systems made

available by the JFC for joint air tasking

will provide manning throughout the

JAOC (i.e., combat operations, combat

plans) and at all levels of command.

b. Preparation. For each specific

operation, the nucleus of the JFACC

staff should be trained in JFACC

operations and be representative of the

joint force. Staff augmentation with

manning as identified above ensures joint

representation throughout the JFACC’s

staff and JAOC. The JFACC, in

coordination with other component

commanders, will determine specific

manning requirements based on scenario

requirements, force list, and personnel

availability.

9. JFACC Assignments and

Transition

Procedures for joint air operations are

designed to exploit the flexibility of air

power to achieve joint force objectives

while providing support to component

operations. Joint air operations scenarios

may vary, and each scenario requires

extensive planning when transition of

JFACC responsibilities is necessary.

a. Assignment of JFACC Ashore. In

large-scale joint air operations, the

assignment of JFACC ashore is normally

desirable because of enhanced logistic,

communication, and facility capacities on

land.

b. Assignment of Sea-based JFACC.

The JFACC should be sea-based when any

one of the following conditions are

present:

• maritime forces provide the

preponderance of air capability,

• land-based facilities or sufficient

infrastructure does not exist,

• a secure land-based area is not

available, or
II-9

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

• ground support forces are forced to

withdraw.

c. JFACC Transition. Effective joint

air operations planning must contain

provisions to transition JFACC

responsibilities between platforms or

between components afloat or ashore.

• Planned Transition. The JFACC

should develop a plan for transition

of JFACC duties to another

component, if required or considered

likely to occur. Planned JFACC

transitions are possible as a function

of buildup or scale down of joint

force operations. When transition of

JFACC responsibilities is complete,

the component passing

responsibilities should continue

monitoring joint air planning, tasking,

and control circuits, and remain ready

to reassume JFACC responsibilities

until the gaining component has

demonstrated operational capability.

• Unplanned Transition. During

unplanned shifts of JFACC

responsibility, as a possible result of

battle damage or major command and

control equipment failure, a smooth

transition is unlikely. Therefore, the

JFC should predesignate alternates

(both inter- and intra-component) and

establish preplanned responses/

options to the temporary or

permanent loss of JFACC

capability. Frequent backup and

exchange of data bases is essential to

facilitate a rapid resumption of

operations should an unplanned

transition be required.

• Transition Events. The following are

events that may cause the JFACC

responsibilities to shift:

•• Coordination requirements

related to joint ATO planning and

execution exceed the component

capability.

•• Buildup or relocation of forces

shifts preponderance of air assets to

another component commander and

the JFC decides that the other

component is in a better position

(location, C2 capability, or other

considerations) to accomplish the

JFACC responsibilities.

•• Command, control, communications,

computers, and intelligence (C4I)

capability to support the current

JFACC becomes unresponsive or

unreliable.

• Considerations. Figure II-5 shows

considerations to aid in transition

planning and decisions.
Chapter II

II-10 Joint Pub 3-56.1

Figure II-5. JFACC Transition Considerations

Continuous, uninterrupted, and unambiguous guidance and

direction

appropriate C4I

capabilities

Specific procedures

adequate communications,

connectivity, manning, intelligence support, and command and

control capability

current joint ATO, special

instructions (SPINS), ACO, joint integrated prioritized target

list (JIPTL), force disposition, adversary situation, and order of

battle.

JFC's objectives

communications links

area air defense and airspace control plans.

for joint air operations must be the primary objective

of any JFACC transition.

All JFACC operations facilities should possess

to ensure shift of JFACC duties is as transparent to

the components as possible (joint ATO dissemination and

receipt should be unchanged).

for coordinating and executing planned

and unplanned shifts of JFACC should be published in the joint

air operations plan.

The oncoming JFACC must have

prior to assuming JFACC responsibilities.

The oncoming JFACC must have a

The oncoming JFACC must have the to

conduct supporting joint air operations.

The oncoming JFACC must establish timely, reliable, and

secure with all appropriate coordination

cells associated with the JFC mission to facilitate continuous

and dynamic exchange of information and joint air support.

The oncoming JFACC must be completely familiar with the

If also

designated the AADC, the JFACC must be ready to assume

the responsibility for air defense operations. When designated

the ACA, the JFACC must also be ready to assume that

responsibility.

JFACC TRANSITION CONSIDERATIONS
II-11

General Considerations for Command and Control of Joint Air Operations

10. JFC Staff Option in Joint

Air Operations

There may be situations where

designation of a JFACC is not required.

Typically, this would occur when a

conflict or situation is of limited

duration, scope, and/or complexity.

Unity of effort, centralized planning, and

decentralized execution of air capabilities/

forces would still be of primary

importance to the JFC. In cases where a

JFC does not designate a JFACC, the JFC

may elect to directly task joint force air

capabilities/forces. If this option is

exercised by the JFC, the JFC’s staff will

assist in planning and coordinating air

operations for JFC approval. The JFC

may elect to centralize selected functions

(planning, coordinating, and tasking)

within the staff to provide direction,

control, and coordination of the

capabilities and/or forces assigned to the

joint force.

a. The JFC’s decision not to designate

a JFACC is influenced by span of control,

duration and scope of operations, and

the necessary degree of centralized

planning and control.

• Span of control is the JFC’s ability to

command and control actions. Span

of control is based on the number of

subordinates, number of activities,

and the AOR/JOA. Span of control

is related to the duration and scope of

joint air operations.

• When joint air operations are the only

operations or the duration and scope

of air operations are of a very limited

nature, the JFC may elect to plan,

direct, and control joint air operations.

The JFC’s staff will assist in

coordinating joint air operations.

b. If a JFACC is not designated, unity

of effort in joint air operations requires

the JFC to centrally plan and

coordinate joint air operations with other

joint force operations.

• The JFC may delegate authority and

assign responsibility for various

aspects of joint air operations to

subordinate commanders.

• Once the JFC issues a mission-type

order and provides his intent,

subordinate commanders make

decisions based on the JFC’s concept

of operations and the desired end state.

c. The complexity of joint air

operations is the JFC’s primary

determinant in designating a JFACC.

Many of the functions, considerations, and

requirements for integrating joint air

operations under the JFACC remain the

same; the difference is in the scale of

operations. Therefore, much of the

information (JFC staff option) is repetitive

to the previous discussions in this chapter.

11. JFC Staff Authority and

Responsibilities

The JFC staff derives its authority

from the JFC, who delegates authority

and assigns responsibilities based on the

estimate of the situation. JFC staff

authority, relationships, and

responsibilities must be specified early in

the planning process. The JFC may

delegate authority and assign

responsibility for coordinating joint air

operations to a staff division (e.g., J-3

Operations), a specific staff officer in a

staff division (e.g., J-3 air officer), or to

a special staff. Authority and

responsibility for joint air operations does

not automatically include joint airspace

control and air defense. Though normally

assigned to one individual, the JFC may
Chapter II

II-12 Joint Pub 3-56.1

based air defense) from resources other

than aircraft. The JFC may direct

components to support joint air operations

with assets, capabilities, or forces, in

addition to the air capabilities/forces

provided.

12. JFC Staff Organization

and Manning

The JFC staff should be organized and

manned so that component

representation reflects the composition

of the joint force. The JFC staff operates

out of the joint operations center (JOC).

Under the JFC staff option, the JOC also

functions as the JAOC. From the JAOC,

the JFC staff plans, monitors, and directs

the execution of joint air operations for

the JFC. JFC staff manning should include

expertise necessary to plan and execute

joint air operations. These staff billets and

personnel should be identified and trained

to be effective in combat operations. See

Joint Pub 0-2, “Unified Action Armed

Forces,” Joint Pub 3-0, “Doctrine for Joint

Operations,” and Joint Pub 5-00.2, “Joint

Task Force Planning and Guidance

Procedures,” for more information on joint

staffs.

13. Transition Between JFC

Staff and JFACC

The JFC may assign C2 of joint air

operations to a JFACC when the duration

and scope of joint air operations exceed

the JFC’s span of control. Additionally,

the JFC may transfer designated mission

experts and functional area augmentees

from the JFC staff to the JFACC’s JAOC

to assist in the transition and coordination

of joint air operations. Conversely, a

transition from JFACC to JFC staff may

also be directed when the JFC determines

that joint air operations are no longer of

the size and scope to warrant a JFACC.

assign separate authority and

responsibilities for joint airspace control

and air defense operations.

a. Planning. The JFC staff prepares

the joint air operations plan to support

the JFC’s objectives. They may also

prepare the joint airspace control and joint

air defense plans.

b. Coordination. The JFC staff

coordinates joint air activities with

other operations in the AOR/JOA. As

appropriate, component commanders,

supporting commanders, and

coordinating agencies furnish liaison

elements and augmentees to the JFC staff

to coordinate their actions with the joint

force as a whole.

c. Execution. The JFC staff monitors

and directs the execution of joint air

operations tasked through the joint ATO.

This may include redirecting sorties, as

directed by the JFC, to accomplish joint

force objectives.

d. Joint Airspace Control. The JFC

staff may be tasked to coordinate and

integrate the use of airspace in the AOR/

JOA. If tasked with joint airspace control,

the JFC staff develops the ACP. The ACP

is implemented through the ACO. For

more information, see paragraph 5 and

Joint Pub 3-52, “Doctrine for Joint

Airspace Control in the Combat Zone.”

e. Joint Air Defense. The JFC may

task the staff to coordinate and integrate

joint air defense operations within the

AOR/JOA. If tasked with coordinating

joint air defense, the JFC staff

recommends joint air defense priorities

and develops the joint air defense plan.

f. Supporting Operations. Joint air

operations may require support (e.g.,

suppression of enemy air defenses, ground
III-1

Planning for Joint Air Operations

"It is improbable that any terrorization of the civil population which could

be achieved by air attack would compel the Government of a great nation

to surrender. In our own case, we have seen the combative spirit of the

people roused, and not quelled, by the German air raids. Therefore, our

air offensive should consistently be directed at striking the bases and

communications upon whose structure the fighting power of his armies

and fleets of the sea and air depends."

Winston Churchill (1917)

1. Concept of Joint Air

Operations Development

Planning for joint air operations begins

with understanding the joint force

mission . The JFC’s strategic

appreciation of the political, economic,

military, and social forces affecting the

AOR/JOA and articulation of the strategic

and operational objectives needed to

accomplish the mission form the basis for

determining components’ objectives. The

JFACC/JFC staff uses the mission, the JFC

strategic appreciation and objectives, and

the components’ objectives to devise an

air estimate of the situation. This

estimate follows a systematic series of

steps to formulate a course of action

(COA). When the JFACC’s course of

action is approved by the JFC, it becomes

the basic concept of the joint air

operations--stating “what” will be done.

The “how” part is stated in the joint air

operations plan and supporting plans. The

JFACC’s daily guidance ensures that joint

air operations effectively support the joint

force objectives while retaining enough

flexibility to adjust to the dynamics of the

range of military operations. Figure III-1

describes the concept of how joint air

operations are developed.

Figure III-1. Concept of Joint Air Operations Development

CONCEPT OF JOINT AIR OPERATIONS

DEVELOPMENT

OBJECTIVES & COMPREHENSIVE AOR/JOA PERSPECTIVE

JFACC/JFC STAFF RECOMMENDED COA

JFC APPROVES COA

JFC STRATEGIC APPRECIATION

JFACC/JFC STAFF

ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION

JOINT AIR OPERATIONS PLAN

JFACC'S DAILY

GUIDANCE

JOINT FORCE MISSION

Master Air Attack Plan Air Defense Plan Airspace Control Plan

SUPPORTING PLANS

Joint Air Operations Order Joint Air Tasking Order

Airspace Control Order

REFINE MASTER AIR ATTACK PLAN & SUPPORTING ORDERS:

CHAPTER III

PLANNING FOR JOINT AIR OPERATIONS
Chapter III

III-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

2. Joint Air Operations Plan

Joint air operations constitute an

integral part of the JFC’s operation or

campaign plan. The JFACC is normally

assigned responsibility for joint air

operations planning and develops a joint

air operations plan for employing that

portion of the air effort made available

to the JFACC to accomplish the

objectives assigned by the JFC. The joint

air operation plan documents the

JFACC’s plan for integrating and

coordinating joint air operations. The

joint air operation plan encompasses

operations of capabilities/ forces from

joint force components. The staff

assigned to develop the plan should

include representation from all

components providing capabilities/

forces. A carefully selected staff of

planners and weapon systems experts

from each component enables

consideration and understanding

of all component capabilities/forces.

Potential expertise requirements may

include but are not limited to:

• Reconnaissance/surveillance

experts

• Combat search and rescue

specialists

• Special operations experts

• Electronic warfare specialists

• Weapons system specialists

• Targeteers/mission planners

• Doctrine/strategy experts

• Politico-military affairs specialists

• Intelligence analysts

• Deception planners

• Logistics/munitions experts

• Air mobility (airlift and air

refueling) planners

• Theater meteorological and

oceanographic (METOC)

specialists

• Modeling/operations researchers

• Public affairs experts

• Judge advocate general personnel

• Administrative support experts

• Space support teams

• Communications-computer systems

specialists

• Aeromedical evacuation/medical

personnel

• Liaison officers from supporting

and supported commands, other

joint force components, and allied

forces.

3. Joint Air Operations

Planning Process

Normally, there are five phases in the

joint air operations planning process,

and each phase produces a desired

product. While presented in a sequential

order, the phases are not all required to be

completed in order. Work on the various

phases may be concurrent or sequential.

However, at some point, phases must be

integrated and the products of each phase

must be checked and verified for

coherence. Figure III-2 illustrates the five

phases.
III-3

Planning for Joint Air Operations

Figure III-2. Joint Air Operations Planning Process

This phase is focused on gaining information about friendly and

adversary capabilities and intentions, doctrine, and the

environment in which the operations will take place.

The products of this phase are clearly defined and quantifiable

objectives that will contribute to the accomplishment of the

JFC's operation or campaign objectives.

The product of this phase is the identification of those adversary

COGs which could be attacked to satisfy the JFC's strategic,

operational, and tactical objectives and friendly COGs that

The product of this phase is The Joint Air Operations Plan

which details how joint air operations will support the JFC's

operation or campaign plan. The JFACC develops the Joint Air

Operations Plan based on the JFC's guidance.

The product of this phase is a clearly defined joint air strategy

statement which states how the JFACC plans to exploit joint air

capabilities/forces to support the JFC's objectives.

JOINT AIR OPERATIONS PLANNING

PROCESS

PHASE 1, OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH

PHASE 2, OBJECTIVE DETERMINATION

PHASE 3, STRATEGY IDENTIFICATION

PHASE 4, CENTER(S) OF GRAVITY (COG)

IDENTIFICATION

PHASE 5, THE JOINT AIR OPERATIONS PLAN

DEVELOPMENT
Chapter III

III-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

a. Phase 1: Operational Environment

Research. The product of this phase is

primarily the intelligence preparation of

the battlespace and gathering an indepth knowledge of the operational

environment. This phase is focused on

gaining information about friendly and

adversary capabilities and intentions,

doctrine, and the environment in which

the operations will take place. The goal

of this phase is to gain an understanding

of the theater of operations, the adversary,

and friendly forces available to

accomplish the JFC’s objectives.

• Available forces, command

relationships (US and

multinational), ROE, applicable

treaties and agreements, base-use

rights, and overflight rights are

examples of information in this phase.

Treaties and agreements should be on

file. Individual country rights and

obligations can be identified through

the chain of command from the

Department of State and the

appropriate US Embassy.

• Appropriate logistic information

concerning what is available in

theater, and what can be provided

through existing ports, depots, war

reserve materiel (WRM), or other

logistic pipelines.

• Intelligence data is gathered and

analyzed. Data may include (as an

example) indications and warning,

current intelligence, general military

intelligence, target intelligence, and

scientific and technical intelligence.

(See Joint Pub 2-0, “Joint Doctrine

for Intelligence Support to

Operations.”)

• For both friendly and adversary

forces, the full range of operational

intelligence concerning forces,

capabilities, sustainment, disposition,

as well as relative combat strengths,

analyses of alternatives, target

systems analysis, and probable

courses of action are examined.

b. Phase 2: Objective Determination.

The products of this phase are clearly

defined and quantifiable objectives that

will contribute to the accomplishment of

the JFC’s operation or campaign

objectives.

• Source of planning objectives is

usually documented in the JFC’s

initial planning guidance, and the

operation or campaign plan.

• Joint air objectives are derived from

the JFC’s and components’

objectives.

• Airpower, in conjunction with the

exploitation of space-based systems

can impact all three levels of war

(strategic, operational, and tactical)

and can perform independent,

integrated, and supporting operations

sequentially or simultaneously.

• Joint air objectives and supporting

objectives must be identified by

listing those objectives at each level

(strategic, operational, and tactical).

The objectives of each level must

support the objectives of the higher

level to ensure unity of effort.

c. Phase 3: Strategy Identification.

The product of this phase is a clearly

defined joint air strategy statement.

The operation or campaign plan

communicates the JFC’s strategy. The

joint air strategy states how the JFACC

plans to exploit joint air capabilities/

forces to support the JFC’s objectives.
III-5

Planning for Joint Air Operations

The joint air operations plan is how the

JFACC communicates, promulgates, and

articulates this strategy.

d. Phase 4: Center(s) of Gravity

(COG) Identification. The product of

this phase is the identification of those

COGs that could be defeated to satisfy

the JFC’s strategic, operational, and

tactical objectives and those friendly

(including multinational partners) COGs

to defend. Clausewitz describes a COG

as “the hub of all power and movement,

on which everything depends.” Joint

doctrine defines COGs as “those

characteristics, capabilities, or localities

from which a military force, nation, or

alliance derives its freedom of action,

physical strength, or will to fight.” COG

describes the central feature(s) of power

that if defeated may have the most decisive

result. Airpower may have the ability to

attack centers of gravity throughout the

AOR/JOA to engage sets of targets

associated with each and engage these

targets simultaneously rather than

sequentially. It is important to remember

that the type of COG and method of

attack may vary widely throughout the

range of military operations. For

example, in a MOOTW environment, the

COG could be starvation. In this case,

the “target” may be a drop zone that is

“engaged” by air dropping pallets of food

and supplies to help “attack” the starvation

COG. The objectives and strategy must

be clearly understood, and the operational

environment carefully analyzed, to help

the JFC identify COGs. The greatest

barrier in selection of a COG lies in not

considering all possibilities of the

adversary’s power and friendly forces.

A thorough understanding of the AOR/

JOA and the adversary facilitates

identification of the correct COG.

• COGs may be attacked both directly

or indirectly. The method of attack

(direct or indirect) chosen by the

commander is based on sound

military judgment, the nature of the

adversary, and objectives. Attacks

may be restricted by political

considerations, military risk, laws of

armed conflict (LOAC), and ROE.

Direct attack is defined as

physically attacking a COG itself.

Indirect attack is defined as causing

the downfall of the COG by

attacking its supporting elements.

The indirect approach is characterized

by attacking targets that expose a new

COG vulnerability. This involves, for

example, forcing reliance on a single

line of communication (LOC) or

source of supply and then, after

reliance is at its maximum, destroying

this element of the COG. Examples

of pertinent questions to consider

when deciding how to attack an

identified COG include: Will

disruption of activity at this target

satisfy a military objective? Is air the

most appropriate and efficient way to

strike this target? Are the expected

results commensurate with the

military risk? What will be the impact

on US public opinion? World

opinion? Consistent with LOAC and

ROE, can we minimize collateral

damage? Do the risks and levels of

anticipated collateral damage exceed

the military advantage to be gained?

• A COG may be represented by a

single target, a target system, or

multiple, interrelated target

"Airpower has become

predominant, both as a deterrent

to war, and -in the eventuality of

war- as the devastating force to

destroy an enemy's potential and

fatally undermine his will to wage

war."

General Omar Bradley
Chapter III

III-6 Joint Pub 3-56.1

systems. In order to expose COGs to

attack, it may be required to first

identify and attack decisive points

and/or progressively defeat enemy

measures used to protect their COGs.

Actions to extend offensive efforts

throughout the theater, including

deep penetrations of enemy territory,

can increase the vulnerability of

enemy centers of gravity.

• The centers of gravity should be

carefully selected for attack. When

attacking COGs, they should be

attacked as a target system. Air and

spacepower are unique in that they can

focus on a COG ranging from

leadership all the way to enemy

combat forces. If petroleum, oils, and

lubricants (POL) is the element of the

COG being considered, it can be

attacked from its point of origin to the

distribution system. For economy of

force, there may be a critical node in

a target set which should be attacked

first. Additional targets within that

set could be attacked to stress the

whole system. Target systems should

be attacked with sufficient force

needed to meet the JFC’s military

objectives, consistent with the LOAC

and associated restraints and

limitations.

• The same process for identifying

COGs should be applied to friendly

forces from the enemy’s

perspective. After the JFC defines

friendly COGs and deployment and

employment plans, the air defense

section of the joint air operations plan

can be developed. Friendly centers

of gravity should normally be

defended in-depth.

e. Phase 5: The Joint Air Operations

Plan Development. The product of this

phase is the joint air operations plan that

details how joint air operations will

support the JFC’s operation or

campaign plan. Based on the JFC’s

guidance, the JFACC develops the joint

air operations plan. The joint air

operations plan developed during this

process should:

• Integrate the efforts of joint air

capabilities/forces in achieving JFC

objectives.

• Identify objectives and targets by

priority order, describing in what

F-16 Attacking a Ground Target
III-7

Planning for Joint Air Operations

order they should be attacked or dealt

with, the desired results, and the

weight of effort required to achieve

the desired results in support of the

JFC’s objectives. (Targets prioritized

by significance do not necessarily

indicate order to be attacked.)

• Account for current and potential

adversary offensive and defensive

threats.

• Conduct target development/

system analysis to identify those

specific targets that should be

reattacked to achieve the objectives.

• Indicate the phasing of joint air

operations in relation to the JFC’s

operation or campaign plan phasing

and in relation to each other.

•• The first phase objective will

normally be to attain and maintain

air superiority in the time and place

necessary for the joint force to

conduct operations. This is

accomplished by destroying,

neutralizing, or reducing the enemy

air and missile threat to an acceptable

level. If the enemy presents any air

offensive threat, a self-defense

capability is needed upon entering the

theater of operations. The air defense

system, to include all defensive

measures designed to destroy

attacking enemy aircraft or missiles

or to reduce the effectiveness of such

attacks should be defined in the air

defense section of the joint air

operations plan.

•• The joint air operations plan

supports, as well as is supported by,

the operations conducted by other

components in support of the JFC’s

mission objectives. Competing

requirements for joint air operations

including strategic attack, air

interdiction, and close air support will

be resolved by the JFC, normally by

the air apportionment decision.

• Indicate what capabilities/forces

will be required to achieve joint air

operations objectives.

•• Once the total force posture is

known, force availability,

deployment timing, beddown

availability, and sustainment

requirements can be matched with

logistic and planning requirements.

•• With this information, the JFC

and components can analyze the

joint forces’ ability to support the

mission assigned to the JFACC,

while ensuring air capable

components retain sufficient organic

capabilities/forces to accomplish their

missions. Shortfalls require the JFC

to reprioritize or restructure the

missions/plans or seek additional

resources.

"Battle experience proved that control

of the air, the prerequisite to the

conduct of ground operations in any

given area, was gained most

economically by the employment of air

forces operating under a single

commander."

General Eisenhower
Chapter III

III-8 Joint Pub 3-56.1

• Include a comprehensive sustainability assessment for the joint air

operations plan.

•• Normally, sustainment requirements for joint air operations are

fulfilled by Service components.

However, common, joint, or crossservicing agreements, or directives by

the combatant commander may

significantly alter responsibilities for

key aspects of logistic support.

•• The joint air operations plan must

clearly delineate any changes to

logistic support practices effected by

such agreements or directives. (See

Joint Pub 4-0, “Doctrine for Logistic

Support of Joint Operations,” for an

in-depth explanation of pertinent

logistic considerations.)

• Include procedures for allocating,

tasking, and exercising command and

control of joint air capabilities/forces

made available.
IV-1

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

"The outstanding military lesson of this campaign was the continuous

calculated application of air power, inherent in the potentialities of the Air

Force, employed in the most intimate tactical and logistical union with

ground troops."

General Douglas MacArthur describing the Buna Campaign

Figure IV-1. Targeting Cycle Phases

1. Targeting

Targeting is the process of selecting

targets and matching the appropriate

response to them. It takes into account

strategic and operational requirements and

capabilities and the threat to friendly

forces imposed by the adversary.

Targeting occurs at all levels of command

within a joint force and is performed at

all levels by forces capable of attacking

targets with both lethal and nonlethal

disruptive and destructive means.

Targeting is complicated by the

requirement to deconflict duplicative

targeting by different forces or different

echelons within the same force and to

synchronize the attack of those targets

TARGETING CYCLE PHASES

1

2

4 3

5

6

TARGET

DEVELOPMENT

FORCE

APPLICATION

WEAPONEERING

ASSESSMENT

EXECUTION

PLANNING/

FORCE

EXECUTION

COMBAT

ASSESSMENT

COMMANDER'S

OBJECTIVES AND

GUIDANCE

with other components of the joint

force. An effective and efficient target

development process and air tasking cycle

are essential for the JFACC/JFC staff to

plan and execute joint air operations. This

joint targeting process should integrate

capabilities and efforts of national,

unified, joint force, and component

commands, all of which possess varying

capabilities and different requirements.

The process is the same in war and

MOOTW.

2. Targeting Process

Targeting is a cyclical process (Figure

IV-1), which begins with guidance and

priorities issued by the JFC and continues

with identification of

requirements by

components; the

prioritization of these

requirements; the

acquisition of targets or

target sets; the attack of

targets by components;

component and JFC

assessment of the attacks;

and continuing guidance

from the JFC on future

attacks.

a. The targeting cycle

begins with objectives

and guidance, proceeds

through execution, and

ends with combat

assessment. Targeting

CHAPTER IV

TARGETING AND TASKING FOR JOINT AIR OPERATIONS
Chapter IV

IV-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

matches objectives and guidance with

inputs from intelligence and operations

personnel to select specific targets and

identify the forces necessary to achieve

the desired objectives against those

targets. More information on targeting can

be found in Joint Pub 2-01.1, “Joint

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for

Intelligence Support to Targeting.”

b. Targeting mechanisms should

exist at multiple levels. The National

Command Authorities (NCA) or

headquarters senior to JFCs may provide

guidance, priorities, and targeting support

to JFCs. Joint force components identify

requirements, nominate targets that are

outside their AOs or exceed the

capabilities of organic and supporting

assets (based on the JFC’s air

apportionment decision), and conduct

execution planning. After the JFC makes

the targeting and air apportionment

decisions, components plan and execute

assigned missions.

c. The JFC may establish and task an

organization within the JFC staff to

accomplish these broad targeting

oversight functions or may delegate the

responsibility to a subordinate commander

(e.g., JFACC). Typically, the JFC

organizes a Joint Targeting

Coordination Board (JTCB). If the JFC

so designates, a JTCB may be an

integrating center to accomplish the broad

targeting oversight functions, or a JFClevel review mechanism. In either case,

it needs to be a joint activity comprised

of representatives from the staff, all

components, and if required, their

subordinate units.

• The JFC defines the role of the

JTCB. Typically, the JTCB reviews

targeting information, develops

targeting guidance and priorities, and

may prepare and refine joint target

lists. The JTCB must also maintain a

complete list of restricted targets and

areas where special operations forces

are operating to avoid endangering

current or future operations.

• The JTCB may assist the JFC in

developing or revising the targeting

guidance and/or priorities. The

JTCB maintains a macro-level view

of the AOR/JOA and ensures

targeting nominations are consistent

with the JFC’s campaign plan.

d. The JFC will normally delegate the

authority to conduct execution

planning, coordination, and

deconfliction associated with joint air

targeting to the JFACC/JFC staff and

will ensure that this process is a joint

effort. The JFACC/JFC staff must possess

a sufficient C2 infrastructure, adequate

facilities, and ready availability of joint

planning expertise. A targeting

mechanism, tasked with detailed planning,

weaponeering, and execution, is also

required at the component level to

facilitate the process.

3. Targeting Responsibilities

The JFACC/JFC staff develops a joint

air operations plan that accomplishes the

objectives directed by the JFC.

Synchronization, integration,

deconfliction, allocation of air

capabilities/forces, and matching

appropriate weapons against target

vulnerabilities are essential targeting

functions for the JFACC. Other

components targeting requirements to

support their assigned missions are

provided to the JFC and JFACC via the

target information report

(TGTINFOREP). Therefore, targets

scheduled for deliberate attack by

component direct support air
IV-3

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

capabilities/forces should be included in

the joint ATO, when appropriate, for

deconfliction and coordination.

All component commanders within the

joint force should have a basic

understanding of each component’s

mission and general concept of operations/

scheme of maneuver to support the JFC’s

campaign. Therefore, components should

provide the JFACC a description of their

direct support plan through the liaison

elements within the JAOC. This basic

understanding will allow for coordination

and deconfliction of targeting efforts

between each component and within the

JFC staff and agencies. Figure IV-2

details the JFACC/JFC staff targeting

responsibilities.

Figure IV-2. JFACC/JFC Staff Targeting Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, allocate, task, and direct the joint air effort in

accordance with JFC guidance and joint force objectives.

Develop a joint air operations plan derived from the JFC's broader

operation or campaign objectives and guidance regarding the roles,

missions, tasks, and responsibilities of joint air capabilities/forces.

After consulting with other component commanders, recommend

apportionment of the joint air effort by percentage and/or by priority that

should be devoted to various mission categories and/or to geographic

areas.

Translate air apportionment into allocation and develop targeting

guidance into the joint ATO (which may include specific aim points).

Direct and ensure deconfliction of joint air operations.

Synchronize joint air operations.

Coordinate with the appropriate component's agencies/elements for

synchronization and deconfliction with land and naval operations.

Coordinate with the appropriate component's agencies/elements for

tasking of the air capabilities/forces made available.

Coordinate with the JFSOCC's SOLE for integration, synchronization,

and deconfliction with special operations.

Monitor execution and redirect joint air operations as required.

Direct alert joint air capabilities/forces for prosecution of real-time

targets in support of joint forces.

Compile component target requirements prioritize targets, based on

JFC guidance.

Accomplish combat assessment.

JFACC/JFC STAFF TARGETING RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter IV

IV-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

4. The Joint Air Tasking Cycle

A joint air tasking cycle is used to

provide for the efficient and effective

employment of the joint air capabilities/

forces made available. The cycle (Figure

IV-3) provides a repetitive process for the

planning, coordination, allocation, and

tasking of joint air missions/sorties,

within the guidance of the JFC. The cycle

accommodates changing tactical

situations or JFC guidance, as well as

requests for support from other

component commanders. The joint air

tasking cycle is an analytical, systematic

approach that focuses targeting efforts

on supporting operational requirements. Much of the day-to-day joint air

tasking cycle is conducted through an

interrelated series of information

exchanges (through designated

component liaison officers and/or

messages), which provide a means of

requesting and scheduling joint air

missions. Note: A timely joint ATO is

critical--other joint force components

conduct their planning and operations

based on a prompt, executable joint ATO,

and are dependent on its information.

Figure IV-3. Notional Air Tasking Cycle

NOTIONAL AIR TASKING CYCLE

JFC GUIDANCE

JIPTL

JIPTL - Joint Integrated Prioritized Target List

MAAP

MAAP - Master Air Attack Plan

JOINT ATO/SPINS

RESULTS

RECOMMENDATIONS 1

2

3

4

6

5

JFC/COMPONENT

COORDINATION

TARGET

DEVELOPMENT

JOINT ATO

DEVELOPMENT

WEAPONEERING/

ALLOCATION

FORCE

EXECUTION

COMBAT

ASSESSMENT
IV-5

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

a. There are usually three joint ATOs

at any time: (1) the joint ATO in

execution (today’s plan), (2) the joint ATO

in production (tomorrow’s plan), and (3)

the joint ATO in planning (the following

day’s plan). The joint air tasking cycle

begins with the JFC’s air

apportionment process and culminates

with the combat assessment of previous

missions/sorties. Figure IV-4 is a

notional joint air tasking timeline, which

may be modified to fit the particular

situation.

0600

1800

0600

1800

0600

TGT REQS (0600)

TGT CELL (0900)

JTCB* (1300)

REVIEW/APPROVE JIPTL

AIRSUPREQ

ALLOREQ

APPROVE MAAP SORTIEALOT

ATOCONF

EXECUTE JOINT ATO

PLAN MAAP ATA PROD

*IF TASKED BY JFC

JFC

OBJECTIVES

TARGET

DEVELOPMENT

WEAPONEERING

JOINT ATO

DEVELOPMENT

EXECUTION

COMBAT

ASSESSMENT

NOTIONAL 48 HOUR JOINT ATO TIMELINE

BRIEF FINAL ATO

APPROVE JOINT ATO

(1600)

Figure IV-4. Notional 48 Hour Joint ATO Timeline
Chapter IV

IV-6 Joint Pub 3-56.1

b. The full joint ATO cycle from JFC

guidance to the start of joint ATO

execution is dependent on the JFC’s

procedures. Notionally, this spans a 30-

72 hour period. Each actual joint ATO

period usually covers a 24-hour period

(0600-0600 for illustrative purposes in this

document). The precise timeframes for

the joint air tasking cycle must be

specified in the JFC’s operation plans or

the JFACC’s joint air operations plan.

c. The execution phase of the joint air

tasking cycle will notionally consist of

24-hour periods with start and end

times as specified by joint air operations

plans. The joint ATO embodies JFC

objectives and intent in a joint air tasking

directive. The joint ATO matches specific

targets compiled by the JFACC/JFC staff

with the capabilities/forces made available

to the JFACC for the given joint ATO day.

5. Joint ATO Phases

The joint ATO phases depicted

(Figure IV-3) are related to the targeting

cycle. The approach is the same, a

systematic process that matches available

capabilities/forces with targets to achieve

operational objectives. The number of

ATO phases may vary based on theater and

contingency requirements. Prior to the

JFC and component commander's

meeting, the JFACC meets with senior

component liaisons and the JFACC

staff to develop recommendations on

joint air strategy and apportionment

for future operations. (The use of the

term “meeting” is notional; other methods

of information exchange could also be

used.) This meeting may review JFC

objectives and guidance; analyze results

of joint force operations and consider

changes to planned or ongoing joint air

operations; review adversary capabilities

and courses of action, centers of gravity,

decisive points, critical areas, and key

targets; develop and recommend updates

to the joint target list (JTL); and assess

joint air capabilities for future operations

to meet JFC objectives. The JFACC

provides objectives and guidance to the

staff for joint air operations to support the

JFC’s intent, recommends broad target

categories that support the JFC’s

objectives, reviews joint force air

capabilities/forces to achieve assigned

tasks, refines requirements for

capabilities/forces from other

components, and after consulting with the

other component commanders or their

representatives, formulates an air

apportionment recommendation for

presentation to the JFC. Examples of air

apportionment categories include, but are

not limited to, strategic attack,

interdiction, counterair, maritime support,

and close air support.

a . Phase 1: JFC/Component

Coordination

• The JFC consults often with his

component commanders to assess the

results of the warfighting effort and

to discuss the strategic direction and

future operation plans. This provides

component commanders an

opportunity to introduce

recommendations, support

requirements, and state their ability

to support other components. The

JFC provides broad guidance and

objectives and his vision of what

constitutes military success. The JFC

also defines the intent of the operation

or campaign and sets priorities. The

JFC’s guidance and objectives will

identify targeting priorities, JTL/

JIPTL planning guidance,

procedures, appropriate maneuver

and movement control, joint fire

support coordinating measures,

ROE, and what defines component

direct support sorties. This
IV-7

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

support. After consulting with

other component commanders, the

JFACC/JFC staff makes the air

apportionment recommendation to

the JFC (Phase 1, ATO cycle).

b. Phase 2: Target Development. The

specific objectives received during Phase

1 are used to focus target development.

Targets are nominated to support the

targeting objectives and priorities

provided by the JFC. All potential targets

are processed through the JAOC (Combat

Plans), which will identify, prioritize, and

select specific targets that meet the JFC’s

objectives and guidance. Targets are

selected from joint target lists, component

requests, intelligence recommendations,

electronic warfare inputs, and current

intelligence assessments, as the situation

dictates. In accordance with the JFC’s

objectives and component targeting

requirements, the JFACC/JFC staff will

develop the joint air operation plans to

employ available capabilities/forces.

The end product of the target

development phase is a prioritized list

of targets--the JIPTL that supports the

objectives and conforms to guidance.

Flight of F-14 Aircraft

guidance will also include the JFC’s

air apportionment decision.

• Apportionment (Air). Air

apportionment is the determination

and assignment of the total expected

effort by percentage and/or priority

that should be devoted to the various

air operations and/or geographic areas

for a given period of time. Air

apportionment allows the JFC to

ensure the weight of the joint air

effort is consistent with campaign

phases and objectives. Given the

many functions that the joint air effort

can perform, its AOR/JOA-wide

application, and its ability to rapidly

shift from one function to another,

JFCs pay particular attention to its

apportionment. JFCs normally

apportion the air effort by priority or

percentage of effort into geographic

areas, against mission-type orders,

and/or by categories significant for

the campaign. These categories can

include, but are not limited to,

strategic attack, interdiction, counter

air, maritime support, and close air
Chapter IV

IV-8 Joint Pub 3-56.1

• JTL Development Process. The

joint targeting process normally

begins before deployment or the

onset of hostilities, during the

deliberate planning at the geographic

combatant commander level

associated with development of an

operation plan (OPLAN) or operation

plan in concept format (CONPLAN).

If a plan is to be executed, the

targeting process continues during the

development and implementation of

the operation or campaign plan and

the components’ supporting plans.

Primary responsibility for the

maintenance of the integrated

intelligence data base that forms the

foundation for most targeting rests

with the Defense Intelligence Agency

(DIA) and the theater joint

intelligence centers (JICs) and

subordinate JICs. As the situation

evolves across the range of military

operations, the responsibility for

maintenance of the theater data base

may shift to the theater JIC and/or

subordinate JIC as appropriate. The

JTL is normally constructed by the

unified command with support

from components and with inputs

from the Joint Staff and other

national agencies. The JTL contains

prioritized target categories

(command and control, airfields, lines

of communications, and others as

appropriate), listing specific targets.

It also contains a sufficient level of

detail to assist complete target

identification, location, and

assessment. Upon direction of the

JFC, the JTL is updated daily or as

required via TGTINFOREP

messages from components.

Maintenance of the JTL may be

conducted by the JFC’s staff or as

directed by the JFC (e.g., JTCB).

During execution, the JTL continues

to serve as an updated reference.

Consideration of any requirements

imposed by LOAC and ROE is also

essential in targeting development.

• The culmination of the joint air target

development process occurs when

specific targets are approved and

included in the joint ATO and

assigned to C/F made available for

joint air operations.

c . Phase 3: Weaponeering/

Allocation

• During the weaponeering/allocation

phase, targeting personnel quantify

the expected results of lethal and

nonlethal weapons employment

against prioritized targets. The

JIPTL, the prioritized listing of

potential targets, constructed during

the target development phase,

provides the basis for weaponeering

assessment activities. All approved

targets are weaponeered on target

worksheets, which detail

recommended aimpoints,

recommended number/type aircraft

and weapons, fuzing, target

identification and description, target

attack objectives, target area threats,

and probability of destruction. The

final prioritized targets are then

included into the MAAP. The

resulting MAAP is the plan of

employment that forms the

foundation of the joint ATO. The

MAAP is a key element of the concept

of joint air operations. The

development of the MAAP includes

the review of JFC and JFACC

guidance; component direct air

support plans and support requests

from components; updates to target

requests; availability of capabilities/

forces; target selection from the

JIPTL; and aircraft allocation.
IV-9

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

• Allocation (Air). Following the JFC

air apportionment decision, the

JFACC/JFC staff translates that

decision into total number of sorties

by aircraft or weapon type available

for each operation/task they

support. On the basis of the JFC’s

air apportionment decision, internal

requirements, and air support request

(AIRSUPREQ) messages, each air

capable component prepares an

allocation request (ALLOREQ)

message for transmission to the

JFACC/JFC staff (normally not less

than 24 hours prior to the air tasking

day). ALLOREQ messages report:

•• the number of joint air sorties to

be flown during the air tasking day

by assigned mission and type aircraft,

•• excess sorties not required by the

air capable component and available

for taskings by the JFACC/JFC staff,

and:

•• request for additional air support

beyond the capability of the air

capable component.

d. Phase 4: Joint ATO Development

• After the MAAP is approved by the

JFACC (JFC under the JFC staff

option), detailed preparations

continue by Combat Plans section

on the joint ATO, SPINS, and the

ACO (provided by the ACA). JFC

and JFACC guidance, target

w o r k s h e e t s , t h e M A A P, a n d

component requirements are used to

finalize the ATO/SPINS/ACO.

Components may submit critical

changes to target requests and asset

availability during this final phase of

joint ATO development. The ACA

and AADC instructions must be

provided in sufficient detail to

allow components to plan and

execute all missions tasked in the

joint ATO. These directions must

enable combat operations without

undue restrictions, balancing combat

effectiveness with the safe, orderly,

and expeditious use of airspace. ACA

instructions must provide for quick

coordination of task assignment or

reassignment. The AADC must

direct aircraft identification and

engagement procedures and ROE that

are appropriate to the nature of the

threat. ACA and AADC instructions

should also consider the volume of

friendly air traffic, friendly air

defense requirements, IFF

technology, weather, and enemy

capabilities. ACA and AADC

instructions are contained in monthly,

weekly, and daily SPINS, and also in

the ACO that is updated as frequently

as required. The joint ATO, ACO,

and SPINS provide operational and

tactical direction at appropriate levels

of detail. The level of detail should

be very explicit when forces operate

from different bases and multicomponent and/or composite

missions are tasked. By contrast, less

detail is required when missions are

tasked to a single component or base.

See Joint Pub 3-52, “Doctrine for

Joint Airspace Control in the Combat

Zone,” for further discussion.

• Allotment. The JAOC reviews

each air capable component’s

allocation decision/ALLOREQ

message and may prepare a

sortie allotment (SORTIEALOT)

message back to the components as

required, in accordance with

established operations plans

guideline. If SORTIEALOT

messages are not used, the JAOC can

pass the information normally

contained in the SORTIEALOT by
Chapter IV

IV-10 Joint Pub 3-56.1

other means (e.g., contingency

theater automated planning system

(CTAPS), through component

liaisons). The SORTIEALOT

message confirms (and where

necessary modifies) the ALLOREQ

and provides general guidance for

planning joint air operations. The

SORTIEALOT addresses three basic

requirements:

•• Revisions, if any, to the

component’s planned allocation of

joint air sorties necessitated by

unforeseen joint force requirements

and within the JFC’s air

apportionment guidance. Normally,

a revision to the components

allocation decision requires JFC

authority. With the JFC’s approval,

revisions or redirection of component

allocation decisions may be

accomplished by SORTIEALOT

message.

•• Approval/disapproval of

component requests and allotment of

other component’s excess sorties to

fill the approved air support requests,

or other requirements for the joint

force.

•• Revisions to mission data for

component air support requests, such

as a changed mission priority or time

on target. This is usually the result of

coordination between the component

and the JAOC staff.

e. Phase 5: Force Execution. The

JFACC/JFC staff directs the execution

and/or deconflicts all capabilities/forces

made available for a given joint ATO.

The JFC may give the JFACC the

authority to redirect joint air operations.

The affected component commander must

approve all requests for redirection of

direct support air assets. Affected

component commanders will be notified

by the JFACC upon redirection of joint

sorties previously allocated in the joint

ATO for support of component operations.

Aircraft or other capabilities/forces not

apportioned for tasking, but included

in the ATO for coordination purposes,

will be redirected only with the

approval of the respective component

commander or designated senior JAOC

liaison officer. Components execute the

joint ATO as tasked and recommend

changes to the JAOC as appropriate, given

emerging JFC and component

requirements.

E-3A AWACS Aircraft
IV-11

Targeting and Tasking for Joint Air Operations

• The JAOC must be responsive to

required changes during the

execution of the joint ATO. In-flight

reports and initial battle damage

assessment (BDA) may cause a

redirecting of joint air capabilities/

forces before launch or a redirection

once airborne.

• During execution, the JAOC is the

central agency for revising the

tasking of joint air capabilities/

forces. It is also charged with

coordinating and deconflicting those

changes with the appropriate control

agencies or components.

• Due to battlefield dynamics, the

JFACC/JFC may be required to

make changes to the planned joint

air operations during execution.

The JFACC/JFC will notify the

affected component commanders, as

appropriate.

• During execution, the JFACC/JFC

staff will normally be responsible

for retargeting missions

apportioned and allocated to

support the joint force as a whole,

to respond to moving targets or

changing priorities. Ground or

airborne command and control

platform mission commanders may be

delegated the authority from the

JFACC (under the same conditions

outlined above) to redirect sorties/

missions made available to higher

priority targets as necessary. It is

essential, however, that the JAOC

(Combat Operations Section) be

notified of all redirected missions.

f. Phase 6: Combat Assessment (CA).

Combat assessment is done at all levels

of the joint force. The JFC should

establish a dynamic system to support CA

for all components. Normally, the joint

force J-3 will be responsible for

coordinating CA, assisted by the joint

force J-2. CA evaluates combat operations

effectiveness to achieve command

objectives. Effective campaign planning

and execution require a continuing

evaluation of the impact of joint force

combat operations on the overall

campaign. The JFACC/JFC staff

continuously evaluates the results of

joint air operations and provides these

to the JFC for consolidation and overall

evaluation of the current campaign.

The CA concept of operations should

include BDA, munitions effects

assessment (MEA), and reattack

recommendations. It must take into

consideration the capabilities/forces

employed, munitions, and attack timing

in assessing the specific mission and joint

air operations success and effects against

the specific targets attacked, target

systems, and remaining enemy

warfighting capabilities, relative to the

objectives and strategy. Future enemy

courses of action and remaining enemy

combat capabilities should be weighed

against established JFC and JFACC

targeting priorities to determine future

targeting objectives and reattack

recommendations. The JFACC/JFC staff

assessment should be forwarded to the

JFC to determine overall campaign

success and recommend changes in

courses of action. Although CA marks

the end of the targeting process, it also

provides the inputs for process reinitiation and subsequent target

development, weaponeering/allocation,

joint ATO development, force execution,

and combat assessment.
Chapter IV

IV-12 Joint Pub 3-56.1

6. Command, Control,

Communications,

Computers, and Intelligence

(C4I)

The JFACC/JFC staff is responsible

for planning and activating all

validated joint air communications

links that support the JFC’s mission

and allow accomplishment of the JFC

directives. The ability to exchange

information via reliable secure

communications with the JFC, joint force

staff, and component commanders is key

to the successful integration of the joint

air effort. Planning must address the

following areas:

a. C4I data exchange requirements

will be promulgated as early as possible

to ensure that each component can meet

unique interface requirements. Every

effort will be made to confirm C4I data

information exchange connectivity

requirements during deliberate planning.

b. Planning for all information

exchange requirements and procedures

must consider emission control

requirements and operations security.

c. The best mix of computer aided

systems must be available for data

transmission. The JAOC and liaison

officers depend on secure, reliable

communications and data exchange

equipment in order to respond to joint

force requirements.

• Normally, the CTAPS is used.

T h e AT O g e n e r a t i o n a n d

dissemination software portion of

CTAPS has been designated the joint

standard by the Joint Staff J-6. This

standardized ATO feature allows the

JAOC to be interoperable with other

force-level Service C4I systems.

• Information such as ALLOREQs and

SORTIEALOT are normally

exchanged through US message text

formats (USMTF). More specific

guidance for USMTF is contained in

Joint Pub 3-56.24, “Tactical

Command and Control Planning

Guidance and Procedures for Joint

Operations--Joint Interface

Operational Procedure--Message

Text Formats,” which specifies

information exchange procedures for

use within a joint force. Specific

instructions and formats for preparing

the MTFs are contained in the Joint

User Handbook for Message Text

Formats (JUH-MTF).
A-1

Joint Air Operations Plan Format

APPENDIX A

JOINT AIR OPERATIONS PLAN FORMAT

The joint air operations plan format uses the same format as the JFC campaign plan

but from an airpower point of view. Each air operations plan will differ with the AOR/

JOA, situation, and capabilities of the joint force. A sample format follows:

Copy No

Issuing Headquarters

Place of Issue

Date/Time Group of Signature

JOINT AIR OPERATIONS PLAN: (Number or Code Name)

References: Maps, charts, and other relevant documents.

COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS. Briefly describe the command organization

(composition and relationships) for the JFC’s campaign and the air operations

envisioned. Detailed information may be included in the command relationships annex.

Cover component commanders, AADC, and ACA identities, and others as required.

1. Situation. Briefly describe the situation that the plan addresses (see JFC’s estimate).

The related CONPLAN or OPLAN should be identified as appropriate.

a. Guidance. Provide a summary of directives, letters of instructions,

memorandums, treaties, and strategic plans, including any campaign/operation

plans received from higher authority, that apply to the plan.

(1) Relate the strategic direction to the JFC’s requirements.

(2) List the strategic objectives and tasks assigned to the command.

(3) Constraints--list actions that are prohibited or required by higher

authority (ROE, and others as appropriate).

b. Adversary Forces. Provide a summary of pertinent intelligence data including

information on the following:

(1) Composition, location, disposition, movements, and strengths of major

adversary forces that can influence action in the AOR/JOA.

(2) Strategic concept (if known), should include adversary’s perception of

friendly vulnerabilities and adversary’s intentions regarding those

vulnerabilities.

(3) Major objectives (strategic and operational).
Appendix A

A-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

(4) Adversary commander’s idiosyncrasies and doctrinal patterns.

(5) Operational and sustainment capabilities.

(6) Vulnerabilities.

(7) Centers of gravity and decisive points.

NOTE: Assumed information should be identified as such. Reference may be made

to the intelligence annex for more detailed information.

c. Friendly Forces. State here information on friendly forces not assigned that

may directly affect the command.

(1) Intent of higher, adjacent, and supporting US commands (e.g.,

USTRANSCOM, USSTRATCOM, USSOCOM, USSPACECOM).

(2) Intent of higher, adjacent, and supporting allied or other coalition forces

(e.g., NATO, Spain, Italy, Egypt).

d. Assumptions. State here assumptions applicable to the plan as a whole. Include

both specified and implied assumptions.

2. Mission. State the joint air task(s) and the purpose(s) and relationship(s) to

achieving the JFC’s objective(s).

3. Air Operations

a. Strategic or Operational Concept. (Based on the relevant major elements of

JFC strategy.) State the broad concept for the deployment, employment, and

sustainment of major air capable joint forces including the concepts of deception

and psychological operations during the operation or campaign as a whole. (This

section is a summary of details found in annexes.)

(1) Joint force air organization.

(2) Joint force air objectives.

(3) Beddown overview.

(4) Operational missions.

(5) Phases of joint air operations in relation to JFC operation or campaign

plan.

(6) Timing and duration of phases.

b. Phase I. Provide a phase directive for each phase.
A-3

Joint Air Operations Plan Format

(1) Operational Concept. Include operational objectives, plan of attack,

and timing.

(2) General missions and guidance to subordinates and components’

supporting and supported requirements. Ensure that missions are

complementary.

(3) Capabilities/forces required by role or capability. Should consider land,

sea, air, space, special operations, and multinational.

(4) Tasks of subordinate commands and components.

(5) Reserve Forces. Location and composition. State “be prepared”

missions. Include guidance on surge sorties if used as reserve capability.

(6) Mobility. Consider transportation, ports, lines of communication, transit

and overflight rights, reinforcement, reception and onward movement, and

host-nation support arrangements.

(7) Deception.

(8) Psychological Operations. Ensure joint air operations support established

psychological operations.

c. Phases II-XX (last). Cite information as stated in subparagraph 3b above for

each subsequent phase. Provide a separate phase for each step in the operation at

the end of which a major reorganization of forces may be required and another

significant action initiated.

d. Coordinating Instructions. If desired, instructions applicable to two or more

phases or multiple elements of the command may be placed here.

4. Logistics. Brief, broad statement of the sustainment concept for the joint air

operations with information and instructions applicable to the joint air operations by

phase. Logistic phases must be consistent with operational phases. This information

may be listed separately and referenced here. This paragraph should address:

a. Assumptions (including coalition requirements).

b. Supply aspects.

c. Maintenance and modifications.

d. Medical service.

e. Transportation.

f. Base development.
Appendix A

A-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

g. Personnel.

h. Foreign military assistance.

i. Administrative management.

j. Line(s) of communication.

k. Reconstitution of forces.

l. Joint and multinational responsibilities.

m. Sustainment priorities and resources.

n. Inter-Service responsibilities.

o. Host-nation considerations.

5. Command, Control, and Communications

a. Command

(1) Command Relationships. State generally the command relationships

for the entire joint air operations or portions thereof. Indicate any transfer of

forces contemplated during the joint air operations, indicating the time of the

expected transfer. These changes should be consistent with the operational

phasing in paragraph 3. Give location of commander, JAOC, and command

posts.

(2) Delegation of Authority.

b. Communications

(1) Communications. Plans of communications. (May refer to a standard

plan or be contained in an annex.) Include time zone to be used; rendezvous,

recognition, and identification instructions; code; liaison instructions; and

axis of signal communications as appropriate.

(2) Electronics. Plans of electronic systems. (May refer to standard plan or

may be contained in an annex.) Include electronic policy and such other

information as may be appropriate.

(3) Combat Camera. Plans for combat camera. (May refer to a standard

plan or may be contained in a combat camera annex.) Include digital still

photo and motion video imagery transmission to the Pentagon’s Joint Combat

Camera Center.
A-5

Joint Air Operations Plan Format

(4) Armament Delivery Recording (ADR) (bomb and gun camera imagery).

Plan for ADR. (May refer to a standard plan or may be contained in a combat

camera annex.) Include imagery transmission to the Pentagon’s Combat

Camera Center.

(Signed)(Commander)

ANNEXES: As required

DISTRIBUTION:

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Appendix A

A-6 Joint Pub 3-56.1

Intentionally Blank
 B-1

Liaison Elements Within the JAOC

1. Introduction

Effective liaison between forces is

essential for coordinated joint air

operations. The JFC and component

commanders will exchange liaison

elements to assist and coordinate planning

and execution of joint air operations.

Liaison elements provide senior level

interface for air, land, sea, space, and

special operation forces. These elements

consist of experienced warfare specialists

who provide component planning and

tasking expertise, coordination

capabilities, and the ability to deconflict

component operations and joint air

operations. A brief summary follows of

typical liaison elements. Detailed

information can be found in respective

supporting command and Service

documents.

2. Battlefield Coordination

Element (BCE)

The Army Component Commander

establishes a BCE to act as the interface

between the component commander and

the JFACC or the Air Force component

commander. The BCE is collocated with

the JAOC or the Air Force component

AOC. The BCE processes land force

requests for air support, monitors and

interprets the land battle situation for the

JAOC, and provides the necessary

interface for the exchange of current

operational and intelligence data. The

BCE expedites the exchange of

information through face-to-face

coordination with elements of the JAOC

and coordinates air defense and airspace

control matters. The BCE is organized

into sections which are incorporated

throughout the JAOC (e.g., plans,

intelligence, operations, fusion, air

defense artillery and Army airspace

command and control, and airlift).

3. Special Operations Liaison

Element (SOLE)

The JFSOCC provides a SOLE to the

JFACC/JFC staff or appropriate Service

component air command and control

facility to coordinate and synchronize

SOF air and surface operations with joint

air operations. A major SOLE

responsibility is shared asset coordination/

deconfliction. The SOLE must consider

airborne fire support and reconnaissance,

command and control platforms, aerial

refueling, as well as deconfliction of deep

operations. The SOLE chief works

directly for the JFSOCC and places liaison

officers throughout the JAOC staff. Under

the direction of the SOLE chief, these

liaison officers provide SOF air and

ground operations expertise throughout

the JAOC. Because the JFSOCC and the

JFACC share a common environment, the

deep battlefield, SOF aviation and surface

assets must be integrated into joint air

operations planning and execution to

provide for synergy, integration,

coordination, and deconfliction.

a. The JFSOCC’s Air Force

component is known as the Air Force

Special Operations Component (AFSOC).

When there are joint special operations

aviation assets in theater (which may

include Army and Navy special operations

aviation assets), the JFSOCC normally

designates a JSOACC. The JSOACC

normally will be the commander with the

preponderance of assets and/or greatest

APPENDIX B

LIAISON ELEMENTS WITHIN THE JAOC
Appendix B

B-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

ability to plan, coordinate, allocate, task,

control, and support the assigned joint

special operations aviation assets. Special

operations air assets are organic to the

JFSOCC. Their tasking is derived from

the JFSOCC and will be coordinated with

the JFACC/JFC staff and entered into the

ATO.

b. In addition to specific JFSOCC

objectives supporting the JFC’s intent,

SOF can act as a significant joint force

multiplier by contributing to joint air

operations. The senior SOF liaison may

seek JFSOCC guidance and approval to

contribute to joint air operations in four

broad areas. First, SOF can act as an

economy of force measure, striking targets

which allow joint air to strike higher

priority targets. Second, SOF may be able

to conduct surgical operations beyond the

capabilities of joint air capabilities/forces

(e.g., against weapons of mass destruction

production or storage facilities

inaccessible to joint air capabilities/forces

due to environmental or dispersal

concerns). Third, because of unique

training and multiple air/ground combat

power delivery capabilities, SOF may

combine with joint air operations in a

synergistic attack (e.g., terminal guidance

operations). Finally, SOF may enhance

joint air operations with still other unique

personnel and platform capabilities, such

as providing a tailored joint special

operations task force (JSOTF), under the

TACON of the JFACC, to assist in locating

deep targets.

4. Space Liaison Officer (SLO)

US Space Command (USSPACECOM)

component personnel deploy to assist the

JFACC/JFC staff in requesting and using

support from space assets. The senior

SLO also serves as the Senior Space

Liaison to the JAOC, providing direct

coordination between the JAOC and

USSPACECOM Theater Support Team

(TST). Personnel deployed may be from

Air Force Forward Space Support to

Theater (FSST) Teams and/or the Naval

Space Support Team (NSST).

5. Naval and Amphibious

Liaison Element (NALE)

The NALE is responsive to the JAOC

on matters pertaining to Navy and Marine

amphibious operations. The NALE

processes Navy force and Marine landing

force requests for air support and monitors

and interprets the maritime battle situation

for the JAOC. The NALE provides the

necessary interface for the exchange of

current operational and intelligence data

between components and the JAOC. The

NALE also coordinates maritime

requirements for air defense, long-range

interdiction, and long-range requirements

and monitors Navy and Marine airspace

and air traffic control requirements and

changes. The NALE provides feedback

to the JAOC and components on current

and future joint air operations concerning

integration of force requirements.

6. Air Mobility Element

(AME)

The AME is responsible for the detailed

planning and coordinating for all strategic

airlift operations in theater. The AME is

part of the theater airlift system and should

be collocated within the JAOC. Should it

become necessary to temporarily assign

strategic airlift assets to fulfill the theater

airlift mission requirements, then the

AME will be the focal point and tasking

authority for these missions. JFCs should

rely on their JFACC to plan and control

theater airlift operations. If a JFACC is

not designated, the Air Force Component

Commander should plan and control
 B-3

Liaison Elements Within the JAOC

theater airlift. Normally, the planning and

control for theater airlift operations will

be conducted by specialized airlift sections

embedded within functional staff sections

of the JAOC.

7. Strategic Liaison Team

(STRATLAT)

The STRATLAT provides a small

number of advisors for the JFC and the

JFACC skilled in nuclear planning and

coordination. The STRATLAT will be

provided by United States Strategic

Command (USSTRATCOM) upon JFC

request and will report to and be collocated

with the JFC and/or the appropriate

component commander(s). When

provided, this team will be subordinate to

the JFC. The JFC should rely on this team

to assist in the preparation of nuclear

request and execution messages and for

the unique targeting and effects

information for nuclear weapons. The

STRATLAT will coordinate with the

mission planning facilities of

U S S T R AT C O M to o p t i m i z e t h e

utilization of nuclear weapons, if

authorized by the National Command

Authorities for use.

8. Air Force Liaison Element

(AFLE)

The AFLE provides an interface

between the Commander, Air Force

Forces (COMAFFOR) and the JFACC for

coordinating and synchronizing Air Force

units in support of joint air operations.

Normally, the AFLE is composed of

personnel and equipment for a General

Purpose Numbered Air Force’s staff and

component organizations. AFLE manning

is based on a cadre concept with personnel

selected for their battle management

expertise and a knowledge of C2 concepts

and procedures. Additional personnel

augment the cadre who are specialists

knowledgeable in the capabilities and

tactics of the aircraft, intelligence, or

weapons systems being employed. The

AFLE can be tailored to perform a variety

of missions and management functions to

match the contingency or operation.
Appendix B

B-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

Intentionally Blank
C-1

Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC) Divisions/Branches Descriptions

1. Introduction

The JAOC (Figure II-4) is the joint air

operations command and control center

that plans, directs, and executes joint air

operations in support of the JFC’s

operation or campaign plan. Dependent

on theater and contingency and whether

the mission involves war or MOOTW, the

composition, organization, and functions

of the JAOC may need to be tailored.

However, the basic framework still

applies. Though the use of the word

“combat” is used in the title of some of

the divisions and branches, the activities

in supporting joint air operations may span

the range of military operations. These

activities may just as well involve

planning to accomplish noncombat

objectives in a MOOTW scenario. A brief

description of divisions and branches

within the JAOC follows.

2. Combat Plans Division

(CPD)

The CPD is responsible for planning

“future joint air operations.” CPD

normally develops the joint air operations

strategy, air apportionment

recommendation, and produces the joint

ATO. In support of the joint ATO

development process, CPD coordinates

with the combat intelligence division on

the adversary’s current and future force

structure, capabilities, and intentions.

CPD may be divided into several

branches/cells dependent on the AOR/

JOA requirements.

a. Air Strategy. Air Strategy planners

develop and plan the strategic direction

for joint air operations. Strategy planners

work with the JFACC/JFC staff to develop

the overarching strategy and guidance for

joint air operations which is developed in

concert with the JFC’s operation or

campaign plan. Air strategy involves a

continuous planning process that may

revise air strategy based on intelligence

inputs, combat assessment, and analysis

of centers of gravity.

b. Airspace/Command and Control.

Develops, coordinates, and publishes

plans, concepts of operations, and detailed

procedures for the combined

interoperability and integration of

command and control systems. This

includes airspace management, area air

defense, air support, and communications

support. If the JFACC is not appointed as

ACA and/or AADC, this branch provides

t h e J FA C C / J F C s t a ff i n p u t a n d

coordination to whoever has responsibility

for those functions.

• Airspace Management and Air

Defense. Develops, coordinates, and

publishes plans, concept of

operations, and procedures to

synchronize planning requirements of

airspace management and area air

defense. This includes

synchronization of friendly air

operations from component

operations and air defense procedures

for C2 of an integrated air defense

system. Development of airspace

control measures include such items

as air refueling routes, missile

engagement zones, minimum risk

routes, and others as appropriate,

which are developed, coordinated, and

published in the ACP. Area air

defense planners develop specific

APPENDIX C

JOINT AIR OPERATIONS CENTER (JAOC) DIVISIONS/

BRANCHES DESCRIPTIONS
Appendix C

C-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

procedures for detection,

interrogation, and engagement of

airborne threats. Air defense planners

work closely with airspace managers

to develop safe passage and minimum

risk procedures for friendly forces.

• Air Support. Air support planners

are responsible for C2 procedures to

ground combat forces. These

procedures are published in the joint

ATO SPINS. Responsibilities

normally include:

•• developing concept of operations

for joint air support.

•• developing procedures for

requesting, targeting, and controlling

of joint air support.

•• aiding in developing

communication plans for air support

units.

•• working with combat airspace

managers to ensure land forces

airspace control needs are met.

• Communications Planning.

Communication planners will, in

coordination with the joint force J-6:

•• develop, coordinate, and

promulgate the daily air

communication plan.

•• compile, coordinate, and monitor

air frequency allocations, call signs,

frequency code assignments, nets.

•• develop procedures for air

surveillance and reporting and for

aircraft control and flight following.

•• coordinate with other C2

branches to ensure all

communications requirements are

identified and met, with special

attention on integration and

interoperability with other

components.

c. Joint ATO Development/

Production. This branch is staffed by

system and weapons experts who may be

tasked or employed in joint air operations

and is responsible to produce a timely and

executable joint ATO. The branch:

• develops the MAAP and daily joint

air tasking for specific weapon

systems.

• coordinates weapon package elements

with duty officers to deconflict

simultaneous missions of other

weapon systems types.

• confirms tasking of combat support

systems.

• plans, coordinates, and tasks

specialized combat support missions

(e.g., air refueling, electronic warfare,

combat search and rescue).

• is responsible for the technical

production and distribution of the

joint ATO.

• ensures joint ATO distribution is both

complete and timely, using the best

transmission medium possible..

3. Combat Operations

Division (COD)

The COD is responsible for monitoring

and executing “current joint air

operations.” Actions and decisions that

apply to the current ATO period are

executed through the COD. COD

normally assumes responsibility for the

joint ATO as soon as it is released.
C-3

Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC) Divisions/Branches Descriptions

a. Current Operations. This branch

consists of a cadre of joint personnel such

as fighter, reconnaissance, surveillance,

combat support, tanker, bomber, and

airlift experienced in battle management,

ROE, and force application/employment.

Within current operations, this branch may

be further divided into offensive and

defensive cells. Offensive and defensive

duty officers bring a broad base

knowledge of operations of weapons

capabilities and limitations that are

required to monitor, and if required, adjust

joint air operations. Defensive operations

normally include specific air defense/

airspace control duties to coordinate all

air defense and/or airspace activities. This

branch may also be responsible for

airspace management activities to ensure

flying activities are compatible with

mission requirements and coordination

with host nations agencies and

components. If the JFACC is not the ACA

and/or AADC, this branch provides

JFACC/JFC staff coordination with

whoever has that responsibility.

b. Weather Support. The weather

support branch provides forecasts tailored

for the various requirements; reports

significant weather with emphasis on

target weather, refueling tracks and

recovery bases; and inputs weather data

in CTAPS (if required).

c. Operations Support. Support

operations may include airlift, air

refueling, reconnaissance, and medical

evacuation missions. Mission experts

track the flow of assets and status of

missions dedicated to each operation.

Rapid coordination may be required to

meet time sensitive demands to support

ongoing joint air operations.

d. Joint Search and Rescue Center

(JSRC). The JFC normally designates

one of the components’ rescue

coordination centers to assume the

additional responsibility of the JSRC.

When the JFACC is designated, the JSRC

is normally located within the JAOC to

ensure timely integration of rescue

operations with the overall joint air effort.

The JSRC is staffed by members of all

participating components to coordinate

joint CSAR. The JSRC is responsible for

disseminating the JFC’s CSAR concept of

operation to all components. The JSRC

establishes C4I and reporting procedures

for component search and rescue centers,

operating centers, coordinates component

CSAR plans to resolve actual or projected

shortfall in assets and capabilities, and

monitors all CSAR incidents and

missions. Additional information is

contained in Joint Pubs 3-50.2, “Doctrine

for Joint Combat Search and Rescue,” and

3-50.21, “JTTP for Combat Search and

Rescue.”

4. Combat Intelligence

Division (CID)

The CID is responsible for all

intelligence activities in the JAOC.

Normally, the CID provides the following

cells to work within the Combat Plans and

Combat Operations divisions:

a. Plans Intelligence. In conjunction

with the CPD, Plans Intelligence supports

the planning and development of the ATO.

Normally collection management,

intelligence production, and target

intelligence are three functions provided

to the CPD by plans intelligence cell. The

collection manager is responsible for

processing and validating all requests for

intelligence information. The collection

manager is responsible for levying valid

requirements on appropriate collection

resources or forwarding them to the higher

echelon commander for satisfaction by

theater or national level sources. The

JAOC will rely on the joint force J-2 and
Appendix C

C-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

JIC for operational and theater-level

intelligence support. The personnel

performing intelligence production

evaluate the threat and determine

adversary abilities/vulnerabilities through

the evaluation and correlation of all source

intelligence. They also prepare and

disseminate intelligence to joint force

agencies and other component

headquarters, as applicable. Target

intelligence is responsible for target

development and analysis, weaponeering,

BDA, and the attack/reattack nomination

process.

b . Operations Intelligence.

Operations intelligence supports the

execution of the joint ATO, monitors

ongoing missions, and responds to the

fluid battlefield situation by providing

near-real-time intelligence from all

sources. The operations intelligence cell

is normally collocated within the COD in

the JAOC. The operations intelligence

cell provides indications, warning, and

situation intelligence to designated users

throughout the range of military

operations. The operations intelligence

cell reviews each preplanned joint ATO

target prior to the time-on-target to ensure

it is still a valid target.
D-1

References

The development of Joint Pub 3-56.1 is based upon the following sources:

1. Joint Pub 0-2, “Unified Action Armed Forces (UNAAF)”

2. Joint Pub 1-01, “Joint Publication System”

3. Joint Pub 1-02, “DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms”

4. Joint Pub 2-0, “Doctrine for Intelligence Support to Joint Operations”

5. Joint Pub 2-01.1, “Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Intelligence

Support to Targeting (S)” (in development)

6. Joint Pub 3-0, “Doctrine for Joint Operations”

7. Joint Pub 3-01.2, “Joint Doctrine for Theater Counterair Operations”

8. Joint Pub 3-01.5, “Doctrine for Joint Theater Missile Defense”

9. Joint Pub 3-02, “Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations”

10. Joint Pub 3-03, “Doctrine for Joint Interdiction Operations” (in development)

11. Joint Pub 3-04, “Doctrine for Joint Maritime Operations (Air)”

12. Joint Pub 3-04.1, “JTTP for Shipboard Helicopter Operations”

13. Joint Pub 3-05, “Doctrine for Joint Special Operations”

14. Joint Pub 3-05.3, “Joint Special Operations Operational Procedures (U)”

15. Joint Pub 3-05.5, “Joint Special Operations Targeting and Mission Planning

Procedures (U)”

16. Joint Pub 3-09, “Doctrine for Joint Fire Support” (in development)

17. Joint Pub 3-09.3, “Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air

Support” (in development)

18. Joint Pub 3-12, “Doctrine for Joint Nuclear Operations”

19. Joint Pub 3-12.1, “Doctrine for Joint Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons Employment”

(in development)

APPENDIX D

REFERENCES
Appendix D

D-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

20. Joint Pub 3-13, “Joint Command and Control Warfare (C2W) Operations” (in

development)

21. Joint Pub 3-14, “Joint Doctrine, TTP for Space Operations” (in development)

22. Joint Pub 3-50.2, “Doctrine for Joint Combat Search and Rescue”

23. Joint Pub 3-50.21, “JTTP for Combat Search and Rescue” (in development)

24. Joint Pub 3-50.3, “Joint Doctrine for Evasion and Recovery” (in development)

25. Joint Pub 3-51, “Electronic Warfare in Joint Military Operations (U)”

26. Joint Pub 3-52, “Doctrine for Joint Airspace Control in the Combat Zone”

27. Joint Pub 3-54, “Joint Doctrine for Operations Security”

28. Joint Pub 3-55, “Doctrine for Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target

Acquisition (RSTA) Support for Joint Operations”

29. Joint Pub 3-55.1, “Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Unmanned Aerial

Vehicles (UAV)”

30. Joint Pub 3-56, “Command and Control Doctrine for Joint Operations” (in

development)

31. Joint Pub 3-56.24, “Tactical Command and Control Planning Guidance and

Procedures for Joint Operations-Joint Interface Operational Procedures-Msg Text

Formats”

32. Joint Pub 4-0, “Doctrine for Logistic Support of Joint Operations”

33. Joint Pub 5-0, “Doctrine for Planning Joint Operations”

34. Joint Pub 5-00.2, “Joint Task Force (JTF) Planning Guidance and Procedures”
 E-1

Administrative Instructions

APPENDIX E

ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1. User Comments

Users in the field are highly encouraged to submit comments on this publication to

the Joint Warfighting Center/Doctrine Division, Ingalls Road, BLDG 100, 3rd Floor,

Attn: Doc Div, Fort Monroe, VA 23651-5000. These comments should address content

(accuracy, usefulness, consistency, and organization) and writing and appearance.

2. Authorship

The lead agent for this publication is the US Air Force. The Joint Staff doctrine

sponsor for this publication is the Director for Operational Plans and Interoperability

(J-7).

3. Change Recommendations

a. Recommendations for urgent changes to this publication should be submitted:

TO: CSAF WASHINGTON DC//XOXD//

INFO: JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J7-JDD//

Routine changes should be submitted to the Director for Operational Plans and

Interoperability (J-7), JDD, 7000 Joint Staff Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20318-

7000.

b. When a Joint Staff directorate submits a proposal to the Chairman of the Joint

Chiefs of Staff that would change source document information reflected in this

publication, that directorate will include a proposed change to this publication as an

enclosure to its proposal. The Military Services and other organizations are requested

to notify the Director, J-7, Joint Staff, when changes to source documents reflected in

this publication are initiated.

c. Record of Changes:

CHANGE COPY DATE OF DATE POSTED

NUMBER NUMBER CHANGE ENTERED BY REMARKS

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________
Appendix E

E-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

4. Distribution

a. Additional copies of this publication can be obtained through Service publication

centers.

b. Only approved pubs and test pubs are releasable outside the combatant commands,

Services, and Joint Staff. Release of any joint publication to foreign governments or

foreign nationals must be requested through the local embassy (Defense Attache

Office) to DIA Foreign Liaison Branch, C-AS1, Room 1A674, Pentagon, Washington,

D.C. 20301-7400.

c. Additional copies should be obtained from the Military Service assigned

administrative support responsibility by DOD Directive 5100.3, 1 November 1988,

“Support of the Headquarters of Unified, Specified, and Subordinate Joint

Commands.”

By Military Services:

Army: US Army AG Publication Center

2800 Eastern Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21220-2898

Air Force: Air Force Publications Distribution Center

2800 Eastern Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21220-2896

Navy: CO, Navy Aviation Supply Office

Distribution Division (Code 03443)

5801 Tabor Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19120-5000

Marine Corps: Marine Corps Logistics Base

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Coast Guard: Coast Guard Headquarters, COMDT (G-REP)

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d. Local reproduction is authorized and access to unclassified publications is

unrestricted. However, access to and reproduction authorization for classified joint

publications must be in accordance with DOD Regulation 5200.1-R.
 GL-1

Glossary

AADC area air defense commander

ACA airspace control authority

ACO airspace control order

ACP airspace control plan

ADR armament delivery recording

AFLE Air Force liaison element

AFSOC Air Force Special Operations Component

AIRSUPREQ air support request

ALLOREQ air allocation request

AME air mobility element

AO area of operations

AOA amphibious objective area

AOC air operations center

AOR area of responsibility

ATO air tasking order

ATOCONF air tasking order confirmation

BCE battlefield coordination element

BDA battle damage assessment

C2 command and control

C2W command and control warfare

C4 command, control, communications, and computers

C4I command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence

CA combat assessment

CID combat intelligence division

CINC commander of a combatant command

CJCS Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

COA course of action

COD combat operations division

COG center of gravity

COMAFFOR Commander, Air Force Forces

CONPLAN operation plan in concept format

CPD combat plans division

CSAR combat search and rescue

CTAPS contingency theater automated planning system

DIA Defense Intelligence Agency

DOD Department of Defense

FSST Forward Space Support to Theater

HIDACZ high density airspace control zone

GLOSSARY

PART I—ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Glossary

GL-2 Joint Pub 3-56.1

IFF identification, friend or foe

JAOC joint air operations center

JFACC joint force air component commander

JFC joint force commander

JFSOCC joint force special operations component commander

JIC joint intelligence center

JIPTL joint integrated prioritized target list

JOA joint operations area

JOC joint operations center

JOPES Joint Operation Planning and Execution System

JSCP Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan

JSRC joint search and rescue center

JSOACC joint special operations air component commander

JSOTF joint special operations task force

JTCB Joint Targeting Coordination Board

JTF joint task force

JTL joint target list

JTTP joint tactics, techniques, and procedures

LOAC law of armed conflict

LOC lines of communications

MARLO Marine liaison officer

MAAP Master Air Attack Plan

MEA munitions effects assessment

METOC meteorological and oceanographic

MOOTW military operations other than war

NALE naval and amphibious liaison element

NCA National Command Authorities

NSST Naval Space Support Team

OPCON operational control

OPLAN operation plan

OPORD operation order

POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants

ROE rules of engagement

RSTA reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition

SIF selective identification feature

SJA staff judge advocate

SLO space liaison officer

SORTIEALOT sortie allotment

SPINS special instructions

SOF special operations forces
 GL-3

Glossary

SOLE special operations liaison element

STRATLAT strategic liaison team

TACON tactical control

TGTINFOREP target information report

TST Theater Support Team

TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures

UNAAF Unified Action Armed Forces

USMC TACAIR US Marine Corps tactical air

USMTF United States message text format

USSPACECOM United States Space Command

USSTRATCOM United States Strategic Command

WRM war reserve materiel
Glossary

GL-4 Joint Pub 3-56.1

that provides specific planning guidance

and procedures for the airspace control

system for the joint force area of

responsibility. Also called ACP. (Joint

Pub 1-02)

air superiority. That degree of

dominance in the air battle of one force

over another which permits the conduct

of operations by the former and its

related land, sea and air forces at a given

time and place without prohibitive

interference by the opposing force.

(Joint Pub 1-02)

air support request. A means to request

preplanned and immediate close air

support, air interdiction, air

reconnaissance, surveillance, escort,

helicopter airlift, and other aircraft

missions. Also called AIRSUPREQ.

(Approved for inclusion in the next

edition of Joint Pub 1-02)

air tasking order. A method used to task

and disseminate to components,

subordinate units, and command and

control agencies those projected sorties/

capabilities/forces to targets and

specific missions. Normally provides

specific instructions to include call

signs, targets, controlling agencies, etc.,

as well as general instructions. Also

called ATO. (Approved for inclusion

in the next edition of Joint Pub 1-02)

air tasking order/confirmation. A

message used to task joint force

components; to inform the requesting

command, and the tasking authority of

the action being taken; and/or to provide

additional information about the

mission. The message is used only for

preplanned missions and is transmitted

on a daily basis, normally 12 hours prior

to the start of the air tasking day or in

air defense. All defensive measures

designed to destroy attacking enemy

aircraft or missiles in the Earth’s

envelope of atmosphere, or to nullify

or reduce the effectiveness of such

attack. (Joint Pub 1-02)

air interdiction. Air operations

conducted to destroy, neutralize, or

delay the enemy’s military potential

before it can be brought to bear

effectively against friendly forces at

such distance from friendly forces that

detailed integration of each air mission

with the fire and movement of friendly

forces is not required. (Joint Pub 1-02)

air operations center. 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

agency of the Air Force Component

Commander from which command and

control of air operations are coordinated

with other components and Services.

Also called AOC. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

airspace control authority. The

commander designated to assume

overall responsibility for the operation

of the airspace control system in the

airspace control area. (Joint Pub 1-02)

airspace control order. An order

implementing the airspace control plan

that provides the details of the approved

requests for airspace control measures.

It is published either as part of the air

tasking order or as a separate document.

Also called ACO. (Joint Pub 1-02.)

airspace control plan. The document

approved by the joint force commander

PART II—TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
 GL-5

Glossary

accordance with established operation

plans for the theater of operations. Also

called ATOCONF. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

allocation. In a general sense, distribution

of limited resources among competing

requirements for employment. Specific

allocations (e.g., air sorties, nuclear

weapons, forces, and transportation) are

described as allocation of air sorties,

nuclear weapons, etc. (Joint Pub 1-02)

allocation (air). The translation of the

apportionment into total numbers of

sorties by aircraft type available for each

operation/task. (Joint Pub 1-02)

allocation request. A message used to

provide an estimate of the total air

effort, to identify any excess and joint

force general support aircraft sorties,

and to identify unfilled air requirements.

This message is used only for

preplanned missions and is transmitted

on a daily basis, normally 24 hours prior

to the start of the next air tasking day.

Also called ALLOREQ. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

allotment. The temporary change of

assignment of tactical air forces

between subordinate commands. The

authority to allot is vested in the

commander having combatant

command (command authority). (Joint

Pub 1-02)

apportionment (air). The determination

and assignment of the total expected

effort by percentage and/or by priority

that should be devoted to the various

air operations and/or geographic areas

for a given period of time. Also called

air apportionment. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

area air defense commander. Within a

unified command, subordinate unified

command, or joint task force, the

commander will assign overall

responsibility for air defense to a single

commander. Normally, this will be the

component commander with the

preponderance of air defense capability

and the command, control, and

communications capability to plan and

execute integrated air defense

operations. Representation from the

other components involved will be

provided, as appropriate, to the area air

defense commander’s headquarters.

Also called AADC. (Joint Pub 1-02)

campaign plan. A plan for a series of

related military operations aimed to

achieve strategic and operational

objectives within a given time and

space. (Joint Pub 1-02)

close air support. Air action by fixedand rotary-wing aircraft against hostile

targets which are in close proximity to

friendly forces and which require

detailed integration of each air mission

with the fire and movement of those

forces. Also called CAS. (Joint Pub 1-

02)

close support. That action of the

supporting force against targets or

objectives which are sufficiently near

the supported force as to require detailed

integration or coordination of the

supporting action with fire, movement,

or other actions of the supported force.

(Joint Pub 1-02)

interdiction. An action to divert, disrupt,

delay, or destroy the enemy’s surface

military potential before it can be used
Glossary

GL-6 Joint Pub 3-56.1

effectively against friendly forces.

(Joint Pub 1-02)

joint air operations. Air operations

performed with air capabilities/forces

made available by components in

support of the joint force commander’s

operation or campaign objectives, or in

support of other components of the joint

force. (Approved for inclusion in the

next edition of Joint Pub 1-02)

joint air operations center. A jointly

staffed facility established for planning,

directing, and executing joint air

operations in support of the joint force

commander’s operation or campaign

objectives. Also called JAOC.

(Approved for inclusion in the next

edition of Joint Pub 1-02)

joint air operations plan. A plan for a

connected series of joint air operations

to achieve the joint force commander’s

objectives within a given time and

theater of operations. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

joint force air component commander.

The joint force air component

commander derives authority from the

joint force commander who has the

authority to exercise operational

control, assign missions, direct

coordination among subordinate

commanders, redirect and organize

forces to ensure unity of effort in the

accomplishment of the overall mission.

The joint force commander will

normally designate a joint force air

component commander. The joint force

air component commander’s

responsibilities will be assigned by the

joint force commander (normally these

would include, but not be limited to,

planning, coordination, allocation, and

tasking based on the joint force

commander’s apportionment decision).

Using the joint force commander’s

guidance and authority, and in

coordination with other Service

component commanders and other

assigned or supporting commanders, the

joint force air component commander

will recommend to the joint force

commander apportionment of air sorties

to various missions or geographic areas.

Also called JFACC. (Joint Pub 1-02)

joint integrated prioritized target list.

A prioritized list of targets and

associated data approved by a joint force

commander, and maintained by a joint

task force. Targets and priorities are

derived from the recommendations of

components in conjunction with their

proposed operations supporting the

joint force commander’s objectives and

guidance. Also called JIPTL.

(Approved for inclusion in the next

edition of Joint Pub 1-02)

joint special operations air component

commander. The commander within

the joint force special operations

command responsible for planning and

executing joint special air operations

and for coordinating and deconflicting

such operations with conventional

nonspecial operations air activities. The

joint special operations air component

commander normally will be the

commander with the preponderance of

assets and/or greatest ability to plan,

coordinate, allocate, task, control, and

support the assigned joint special

operations aviation assets. The joint

special operations air component

commander may be directly subordinate

to the joint force special operations

component commander or to any

nonspecial operations component or

joint force commander as directed. Also

called JSOACC. (Joint Pub 1-02)
 GL-7

Glossary

joint targeting coordination board. A

group formed by the joint force

commander to accomplish broad

targeting oversight functions that may

include but are not limited to

coordinating targeting information,

providing targeting guidance and

priorities, and preparing and/or refining

joint target lists. The board is normally

comprised of representatives from the

joint force staff, all components, and if

required, component subordinate units.

Also called JTCB. (Joint Pub 1-02)

joint target list. A consolidated list of

selected targets considered to have

military significance in the joint

operations area. (Joint Pub 1-02)

list of targets. A tabulation of confirmed

or suspect targets maintained by any

echelon for informational and fire

support planning purposes. (Joint Pub

1-02)

master air attack plan. A plan that

contains key information that forms the

foundation of the joint air tasking order.

Also called the air employment plan or

joint air tasking order shell. Information

which may be included: joint force

commander guidance, joint force air

component commander guidance,

support plans, component requests,

target update requests, availability of

capabilities/forces, target information

from target lists, aircraft allocation, etc.

Also called MAAP. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

mission. 1. The task, together with the

purpose, that clearly indicates the action

to be taken and the reason therefore. 2.

In common usage, especially when

applied to lower military units, a duty

assigned to an individual or unit; a task.

3. The dispatching of one or more

aircraft to accomplish one particular

task. (Joint Pub 1-02)

request confirmation. A message that

informs requesting command and

tasking authority of action being taken

on air mission requested by air support

request. Also known as REQCONF.

(This term and its definition are

applicable only in the context of this pub

and cannot be referenced outside this

publication.)

sortie. In air operations, an operational

flight by one aircraft. (Joint Pub 1-02)

sortie allotment message. The means by

which the joint force commander allots

excess sorties to meet requirements of

his subordinate commanders which are

expressed in their air employment/

allocation plan. Also called

SORTIEALOT. (Approved for

inclusion in the next edition of Joint Pub

1-02)

strategic mission. A mission directed

against one or more of a selected series

of enemy targets with the purpose of

progressive destruction and

disintegration of the enemy’s

warmaking capacity and his will to

make war. Targets include key

manufacturing systems, sources of raw

material, critical material, stockpiles,

power systems, transportation systems,

communication facilities, and other

such target systems. As opposed to

tactical operations, strategic operations

are designed to have a long-range, rather

than immediate, effect on the enemy and

its military forces. (Joint Pub 1-02)

tactical control. Command authority

over assigned or attached forces or

commands, or military capability or

forces made available for tasking, that

is limited to the detailed and, usually,
Glossary

GL-8 Joint Pub 3-56.1

local direction and control of

movements or maneuvers necessary to

accomplish missions or tasks assigned.

Tactical control may be delegated to,

and exercised at any level below the

level of combatant command. Also

called TACON. (Joint Pub 1-02)

target analysis. An examination of

potential targets to determine military

importance, priority of attack, and

weapons required to obtain a desired

level of damage or casualties. (Joint Pub

1-02)

targeting. 1. The process of selecting

targets and matching the appropriate

response to them, taking account of

operational requirements and

capabilities. 2. The analysis of enemy

situations relative to the commander’s

mission, objectives, and capabilities at

the commander’s disposal, to identify

and nominate specific vulnerabilities

that, if exploited, will accomplish the

commander’s purpose through

delaying, disrupting, disabling, or

destroying enemy forces or resources

critical to the enemy. (Joint Pub 1-02)

target list. The listing of targets

maintained and promulgated by the

senior echelon of command; it contains

those targets that are to be engaged by

supporting arms, as distinguished from

a “list of targets” that may be maintained

by any echelon as confirmed, suspected,

or possible targets for informational and

planning purposes. (Joint Pub 1-02)

target system. 1. All the targets situated

in a particular geographic area and

functionally related. 2. A group of

targets which are so related that their

destruction will produce some particular

effect desired by the attacker. (Joint Pub

1-02)
Assessments/

Revision

CJCS

Approval

Two

Drafts

Program

Directive

Project

Proposal

J-7 formally staffs with

Services and CINCS

Includes scope of project,

references, milestones,

and who will develop

drafts

J-7 releases Program

Directive to Lead Agent.

Lead Agent can be

Service, CINC, or Joint

Staff (JS) Directorate

STEP #2

Program Directive

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The CINCS receive the pub and

begin to assess it during use

18 to 24 months following

publication, the Director J-7, will

solicit a written report from the

combatant commands and

Services on the utility and quality

of each pub and the need for any

urgent changes or earlier-thanscheduled revisions

No later than 5 years after

development, each pub is revised

STEP #5

Assessments/Revision

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Submitted by Services, CINCS, or Joint Staff

to fill extant operational void

J-7 validates requirement with Services and

CINCs

J-7 initiates Program Directive

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STEP #1

Project Proposal

All joint doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures are organized into a comprehensive hierarchy

as shown in the chart above. is located in the series of joint publications.

The diagram below illustrates an overview of the development process:

Joint Pub 3-56.1 Operations

JOINT DOCTRINE PUBLICATIONS HIERARCHY

JOINT PUB 1-0

PERSONNEL

and

ADMINISTRATION

JOINT PUB 4-0 JOINT PUB 5-0 JOINT PUB 6-0

LOGISTICS PLANS C4 SYSTEMS

JOINT PUB 0-2

JOINT PUB 1

UNAAF

JOINT

WARFARE

JOINT

DOCTRINE

PUBLICATION

Lead Agent forwards proposed pub to Joint Staff

Joint Staff takes responsibility for pub, makes

required changes and prepares pub for

coordination with Services and CINCS

Joint Staff conducts formal

staffing for approval as a Joint Publication

STEP #4

CJCS Approval

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Lead Agent selects Primary Review Authority

(PRA) to develop the pub

PRA develops two draft pubs

PRA staffs each draft with CINCS, Services,

and Joint Staff

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STEP #3

Two Drafts

ENHANCED

JOINT

WARFIGHTING

CAPABILITY

INTELLIGENCE

JOINT PUB 2-0

OPERATIONS

JOINT PUB 3-0