Air Integration Focus Paper 20 Mar 09

By GEN (Ret) Gary Luck,
COL (Ret) Mike Findlay and the JWFC Joint Training Division

Preface

This paper1 addresses insights and best practices in achieving synergy with the joint force air component in those cases where a USAF-led Theater Joint Force Air Component Command (JFACC) is supporting an established Joint Task Force (JTF) in an irregular warfare, land-centric environment. We also address considerations for the use of JTF JFACCs. We do not address integration in the maritime environment and the more traditional (conventional) environment, but believe many of our insights may apply. Nor do we address other key integration topics such as air integration with other government agencies or USTRANSCOM initiatives.

This focus paper builds on insights in the July 2008 JWFC publication “Insights and Best Practices on Joint Operations,” and the “SOF Integration” and “JTF Command and Control” JWFC focus papers. These three papers address trust and confidence, personal relationships, decentralization, empowerment, and command relationships in much more detail. Other JWFC insight and best practice focus papers are also available. They are at http://jko.cmil.org. See “JWFC insight and focus papers.” The Joint Warfighting Center’s Joint Training Division (JTD) works closely with the four Service training organizations (USAF OCTP, USA BCTP, USMC MSTP, USN AAT), and the SOF joint training organization (SOCJFCOM) to gain and share insights on joint operations.2 We are all afforded the opportunity to support commanders and staffs of joint headquarters worldwide as they prepare for, plan, and conduct operations. We gain insights into their challenges and draw out and refine what we term “best practices” to share with others. I thank these joint headquarters for sharing their challenges and lessons learned, and Maj Gen Kevin Kennedy (former ACCE in AFG), OCTP, and Lt Gen (Ret) Mike Short for their significant contributions to this paper. We also drew on several Trip Reports and Lessons Learned Reports.3

We want to get your thoughts on this subject. Please pass on your comments, insights, and best practices so that we may share them throughout the community. Contact the JTD POC for insights and best practices, Mike Findlay at (757) 203- 5939/7021 or email at Michael.Findlay.ctr@jfcom.mil.

Major General Jason K. Kamiya,
Commander, Joint Warfighting Center