Perspectives on Theater Air Campaign Planning

Abstract : This document reports on independent, exploratory research on air campaign planning and execution. Its purpose is threefold: (1) to provide observations on the current processes and capabilities for planning and executing air operations in theater conflicts; (2) to identify key issues associated with those processes; and (3) to recommend analytic concentrations for future research. Our primary focus is at the broadest level of campaign planning and execution- activities flowing from the definition of campaign and operational objectives down to the allocation, apportionment, and tasking of forces. Our work involved interviews with a variety of USAF organizations. We did not explicitly interview personnel in other service or joint organizations; hence, we are plainly offering a USAF perspective on campaign planning. However, most of the USAF entities we talked with are intimately involved in joint and combined operations and planning, and Air Force doctrine and perceptions will likely play an important role in shaping future air campaigns. Therefore, we believe that this report has relevance beyond the confines of the USAF planning community. (KAR) P. 9