Air and Space

Power Defined

Overview

• Define Air and Space PowerDefine Air and Space Power• CompetenciesCompetencies• FunctionsFunctions• DoctrineDoctrine

• Discuss the Principles of War & Discuss the Principles of War & Tenets of Air and Space PowerTenets of Air and Space Power

Air and Space Power

The integrated application of air and space systems to project global strategic military power.

AFDD-1AFDD-1

Air and Space Power

• Integrated application Integrated application

• Air and space systems Air and space systems

• To project global strategic military To project global strategic military

powerpower

Air and Space Power(3 Associated Terms)

• #1: Competencies (capabilities)#1: Competencies (capabilities)• Air and Space expertise, capabilities, and technical Air and Space expertise, capabilities, and technical

know-how distinctive to the United States Air Forceknow-how distinctive to the United States Air Force• Air and Space SuperiorityAir and Space Superiority• Precision EngagementPrecision Engagement• Information SuperiorityInformation Superiority• Global AttackGlobal Attack• Rapid Global MobilityRapid Global Mobility• Agile Combat SupportAgile Combat Support

Air and Space Power

• #2: Functions (missions)#2: Functions (missions)• Broad, fundamental, and Broad, fundamental, and

continuing activities of air and continuing activities of air and space power not unique to the space power not unique to the Air ForceAir Force

CounterairCounterair

CounterspaceCounterspace

CounterlandCounterland

CounterseaCountersea

CounterinformationCounterinformation

Strategic AttackStrategic Attack

Combat Search Combat Search

NavigationNavigation

Air RefuelingAir Refueling

SpaceliftSpacelift

Special OpsSpecial Ops

IntelligenceIntelligence

SurveillanceSurveillance

ReconnaissanceReconnaissance

AirliftAirlift

Weather ServicesWeather Services

Command & ControlCommand & Control

Air and Space Power

• #3: Doctrine#3: Doctrine A belief in the best way to implement/use air and A belief in the best way to implement/use air and

space powerspace power• Based on:Based on:

• HistoryHistory• TechnologyTechnology• Leaders, etc.Leaders, etc.

• Provides GuidanceProvides Guidance• Must NOT stagnateMust NOT stagnate

Doctrine - Examples

• WWIWWI• Armies vs. Machine GunArmies vs. Machine Gun

• WWIIWWII• Daylight, High Altitude, Unescorted Daylight, High Altitude, Unescorted

Precision BombingPrecision Bombing

Principles of War

““those aspects of warfare that are those aspects of warfare that are universally true and relevant”universally true and relevant”

- Joint Pub 1- Joint Pub 1

Principles of War

• Historically testedHistorically tested• Apply equally to all U.S. Armed ForcesApply equally to all U.S. Armed Forces

Unity of CommandUnity of Command Security SecurityObjective Objective Surprise Surprise OffenseOffense Simplicity SimplicityMass Mass Economy of Force Economy of Force ManeuverManeuver

Tenets• Fundamental truths that are unique to the air Fundamental truths that are unique to the air

and space environment.and space environment.

Flexibility/VersatilityFlexibility/Versatility PriorityPrioritySynergistic EffectsSynergistic Effects PersistencePersistenceConcentrationConcentration BalanceBalanceCentralized Control andCentralized Control and Decentralized ExecutionDecentralized Execution

Conclusion

• Defined Air and Space Power Defined Air and Space Power • Competencies & FunctionsCompetencies & Functions

• Defined Aerospace DoctrineDefined Aerospace Doctrine• Belief in the best way to use aerospace powerBelief in the best way to use aerospace power

• Defined the Principles of War & Tenets of Defined the Principles of War & Tenets of Air and Space PowerAir and Space Power• Fundamental TruthsFundamental Truths