Command and Control Archives - The Air Power Journal

Command and Control, Information Superiority

A New Battle Command Architecture for Air Force-Led All Domain Operations

The new American joint warfighting concept intends to optimize the synergy of effects that accrues from operating in an integrated fashion across all domains and the electromagnetic spectrum. To be successful, a new battle command architecture and command and control (C2) paradigm that enables automatic linking and the transfer of data securely, reliably, and seamlessly is essential.

David A. Deptula, Lieutenant General (Ret.), United States Air Force, Dean, Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies, United States

Command and Control, Interoperability

De-Centralized Command and Control: Implications for Air Battle Management and Mission Command

Future C2 architectures are being developed with some degree of decentralization to make it harder for opposing forces to find, target, and degrade key C2 nodes. A highly automated, decentralized C2 and data-sharing network however remains beyond reach and without the ability to replace human crews, air forces will remain dependent on centralized legacy systems.

Professor Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, United Kingdom

Command and Control, Human Factors

Fifth-Generation C2: The Human Levers of Change and the Characteristics of a Fifth-Generation Air Commander

Fifth-generation air warfare rewrites the delivery of air power by bringing together all components of air operations. Fifth-generation C2 will depend on human factors and the ability of air commanders and their subordinates to adapt to new ways of working. The air force will require leaders that can train new ways of thinking and cultivate trust.

Robert Vine, Squadron Commander (Ret.), Royal Australian Air Force and Independent Advisor, Australia

Command and Control, Space

Joint All-Domain Command and Control
and the Role for Space

Only the space domain can move information at the speed, size, and range required of an effective JADC2 architecture. If the United States hopes to prevail in a peer conflict, foundational space-based capabilities will be essential. The Department of Defense and the Space Force must prioritize a robust space transport layer, sensors, and space superiority to protect these capabilities.

Tim Ryan, Senior Resident Fellow for Spacepower Studies, Mitchell Institute, United States

AI, Command and Control

Developing a Concept of Operations for JADC2 with an Embedded Role for Artificial Intelligence

Reaching Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) goals will depend on identifying core command and control (C2) needs and establishing software development plans that are achievable. Investments in people and resources will be needed to move beyond today’s manpower intensive C2 and, as a realistic goal, improve current planning processes with automation and some AI and ML.