SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL veritys set air and space power apart from surface-force capabilities.

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

notion One: Centralized Control and Decentralized Execution. This doctrine provides the commander "oversight and ability to direct and coordinate constituting space forces through mission-type orders, while allowing composing forces the flexibility to determine to what degree they will employ their resources to achieve the mission" (p 8) one time established in-theater, the director of space forces (DIRSPACEFOR), who clutchs the delegated position of space rule authority, facilitates coordination between the joint force commander's (JFC) operational/tactical penurys and national global/ strategic requirements.

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

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

dogma Four." Persistence. "Space-based forces imprison the ultimate high ground, offering the potential for permanent appearance over any part of the globe" (p 11) Satellites placed in specific orbits to bring required effects provide unmatched information collection and dissemination upon a constant or recurring basis. granting a critical advantage for US forces, orbit predictability remains bring under rule to passive defensive measures (such as cloak concealment, and deception) or active defensive measures (such as satellite jamming) from adversarial forces.

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

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

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

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

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