What do special instructions bring to the rules of engagement? Chaos or clarity

Air Force Law Review, Spring, 2004 by Paul E. Jeter

Once the objectives of the mission are defined the next step is to transform the guidance into a plan of execution. This is done at the operational level of planning by functional experts. In aerospace operations, the purpose of developing a plan is to identify in detail how air power will support a commander's overall campaign plan. (37) ROE will be evaluated and developed to match the overall strategic objectives with the challenges, restrictions and capabilities associated with the campaign. ROE and plans developed at the operational level will be transmitted to operators at the tactical level who execute the campaign. In order to understand the ROE under which the pilots fight, comprehending who, where and how they are developed is essential. The Joint Air Operation Center for aerospace operations is the focal point at this next stage of mission planning and execution.

IV. JOINT AIR OPERATION CENTER

Planning for joint operations begin with comprehending the joint force mission. The command and control center in joint air operations which transforms strategic guidance to an operational and executable plan is the Joint Air Operations Center (JAOC). (38) The JAOC is the aerospace operations planning and execution focal point for the joint task force (JTF) under the JFC and is where centralized planning, direction, control, and coordination of aerospace operations occur. (39) JAOC divisions and branches are responsible for planning, executing, and assessing aerospace operations and directing changes as the situation dictates in support of the JFC's operation or campaign plan. (40) The JAOC is an integral part of the big picture when planning and executing arty air campaign involving joint or combined forces. Therefore, understanding how it fits into the joint air operations plan and functions is important.

A. Joint Air Operation Center Functions

The JAOC functions as the hub between strategic and tactical aerospace forces. "Although the Air Force provides the core manpower capability for the JAOC, other Service component commands contributing aerospace forces provide personnel in accordance with the magnitude of their force contribution." (41) To coordinate aerospace operations, the JFC will appoint a JFACC. (42) The JFACC's authority is derived from and delegated by the JFC who in turn was appointed by the appropriate geographic combatant commander. (43) The JFACC exercises his operational and tactical command and control through a JAOC which transmits his strategy, operational constraints and tactical procedures by the Air Tasking Order (ATO), Airspace Control Order (ACO) and SPINS. (44) Therefore, the JAOC functions as a fully integrated facility and staff to fulfill all of the JFACC's responsibilities by acting as a receiver, planner, assessor and director of aerospace operations. (45)

B. Joint Air Operation Center Process

The JAOC provides the means and methods for the JFACC to orchestrate the air campaign in a joint environment. The JAOC has the task of command and control of the air assets and components assigned to the theater from a central location. The JFC and JFACC's strategy and guidance are transmitted to the JAOC director. "The JAOC director is charged with effectively conducting joint aerospace operations." (46) This means he transmits JFC and JFACC guidance to the five JAOC divisions and multiple support and specialty teams. (47) Each of these JAOC divisions has different responsibilities that support the formulation of SPINS and the integration of ROE. (48) Additionally, they gain valuable input from the multiple support and specialty team as they go through the process of generating the SPINS and ROE. (49) The divisions publish and disseminate a daily ATO, ACO and any updated SPINS after getting approval from the JFACC. (50) Although the JAOC sends out taskings, it is also planning ahead based on feedback from the tactical operators along with considering the objectives of the JFC and JFACC. (51) As long as the operation is going the JAOC is in action and manned 24 hours. With the updated input, the JAOC functional teams will review and revise the air campaign plans that will be transmitted to the forces through the daily ATO, ACO and SPINS.