Fundamentals of Air & Space Power

Question 1

Air Power Tenets:

1. Centralised Control & Decentralised Execution (CCDE)

Answer 1

Appropriate retention of control and delegation of executive authority aimed at achieving optimal employment of air power.
Opposite of micro-management.

Question 2

Air Power Tenets:

2. Concurrency

Answer 2

Carry out multiple operations simultaneously.

Question 3

Air Power Tenets:

3. Balance

Answer 3

Achieve appropriate mix/level of capability and strategic depth to deliver effective and credible air power.

Question 4

Characteristics of Air Power:

1. Perspective

Answer 4

Way force physically views operational environment. Limited by visual and sensor horizons, restricted by terrain, weather, infrastructure, type of target.

Question 5

Characteristics of Air Power:

2. Speed

Answer 5

Ability to cover distance quickly with minimal delay. Relevant at:

• Strategic Level (impact of swift AP employment at O&T Levels can achieve SL effects quickly)
• Operational Level (enables large number of AP missions to be undertaken)
• Tactical Level (enables operations faster than adversary’s decision cycle)

Question 6

Characteristics of Air Power:

3. Reach

Answer 6

Ability to project military power over long distances, largely unconstrained by physical barriers.

Question 7

Characteristics of Air Power:

4. Flexibility

Answer 7

Enables AP to create variety of (non-)lethal effects across operations. Can switch between roles and missions.

Question 8

Characteristics of Air Power:

5. Precision

Answer 8

Ability to employ (non-)lethal force and achieve effects accurately with discrimination and proportionality. Engage target and create desired effect while avoiding collateral damage.

Question 9

Characteristics of Air Power:

6. Dependency

Answer 9

AP critically dependent on air bases, information, supporting systems and technology for effectiveness.

Question 10

Characteristics of Air Power:

7. Fragility

Answer 10

Demands on modern platforms to be capable of high speed/altitude, multiple roles, stealth, and significant payload carrying capacity.

Question 11

Characteristics of Air Power:

8. Payload

Answer 11

Aircraft can carry wide range of payloads (passengers, cargo, sensors, weapons) rapidly and over long distances.

Question 12

Characteristics of Air Power:

9. Impermanence

Answer 12

Air platforms cannot stay airborne indefinitely. Can be advantage by creating persistent effect without protected physical presence and support requirements of deployed force. We cannot permanently hold ground.