OTH | command and control

OTH, Emerging Security Environment, Multi-Domain Operations

AF DCGS Next Generation: Transformation for Great Power Competition

December 1, 2020November 30, 2020 Over The Horizon 2 Comments ABMS, AET, AI, AI/ML, air force, all domain, analysis, C2, c4isr, command and control, Convergence, culture, decision making, exploitation, GPC, Great Power Competition, information warfare, intelligence, ISR, IW, JADC2, JADO, joint, Machine learning, ML, national security, organizational change, planning, risk, strategy, TAGs: DCGS, technology, usaf, wars of cognition

Abstract: The AF DCGS is in the midst of the most significant transformation it has seen since its inception in the mid-1990s. Primarily driven by the need to find a way to more efficiently process the glut of data now available to the intelligence community, the AF DCGS transformation to the problem-centric model of analysis is already paying major dividends in the Enterprise’s ability to provide enhanced intelligence to its customers. This article discusses the transformation and describes in detail how the AF DCGS is now oriented to prepare the air component for great power competition.

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DCGS Next Generation: Accelerating Change to Deliver Decision Advantage

September 26, 2020January 18, 2021 Over The Horizon 1 Comment ABMS, AI, air force, all domain, artificial intelligence, C2, c4isr, CAOC, command and control, culture, DCGS, decision making, intelligence, ISR, JADC2, JADO, joint, national security, planning, risk, strategy, technology, usaf

By Kelly Borukhovich and Tyler Morton Approximate reading time: 11 minutes Abstract: The DCGS Next Generation (DCGS Next Gen) delivers

Featured

Métis: Strategic Sense for a Wicked World

July 13, 2020September 25, 2020 Over The Horizon 1 Comment air force, army, command and control, culture, Design, human domain, Information Operations, intelligence, joint, mission command, navy, planning, Policy, strategy

Abstract: The U.S. defense community regularly acknowledges changes in the character of modern warfare. These observations are often coupled with a variety of recommendations, such as creating more strategic thinkers and cultivating more agile service cultures. This article highlights the tangled interactions between these two challenges as well as a third: harnessing the power of storytelling. First, stories both reflect and influence an organization’s culture, and are therefore a useful tool for strategic thinkers. Second, when it comes to strategic thinking, the typical descriptions and illustrations used by defense professionals are incomplete and biased. Missing from this list of examples, for instance, is someone from the origins of Western civilization who personified the wisdom to convert “insight into a decisive asymmetry.” This ancient role model not only exemplifies the strategic sense necessary to prepare the joint force’s culture for modern operating environments, but is also closely linked to the third element of this trinity – storytelling.

Featured

Cognitive Electronic Warfare: A Move Towards EMS Maneuver Warfare

July 3, 2020September 25, 2020 Over The Horizon 1 Comment AI, air force, artificial intelligence, china, command and control, cyber, doctrine, human domain, joint, mdo, multi-domain, multi-domain operations, planning, Russia, space, technology, usaf

In multi-domain operations (MDO), control of the electromagnetic spectrum is of paramount importance. By leveraging machine learning technologies coupled to advanced Electronic Warfare techniques, a key first step will be taken in enabling maneuver warfare within the spectrum.

Featured Multi Domain Operations

Communications in Multi-Domain Operations: What Does the BACN Bring?

June 24, 2020August 27, 2020 Over The Horizon 3 Comments A2/AD, acquisition, air force, c4isr, china, combat, command and control, decision making, doctrine, innovation, intelligence, ISR, joint, multi-domain operations, planning, Russia, space, technology, usaf

Communications are an important element of any military operation. A lack of infrastructure and rough terrain have hindered U.S. military operations in Afghanistan (2001-Present) and Iraq (2003-Present). The difficulties encountered in both countries initially led to several different ad hoc solutions for overcoming poor communications. Eventually a long-term solution emerged, known as BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) with two dedicated platforms, an E-11A and EQ-4B. This article provides new insights on the BACN program and its history, and considers the importance of E-11s providing BACN for future multi-domain warfighting environments. Finally, it encourages new ways of thinking on how to operate in a contested environment, proposing a “BACN-mesh” concept as a way of overcoming such a vulnerability with an adversary jamming the electromagnetic spectrum.

Featured

Human-led Machine Learning & Advanced Threats: Case Method Inquiry and Visual Analytics Applied to COVID-19

March 26, 2020June 1, 2020 Over The Horizon 1 Comment A2AD, acquisition, AI, airpower, analysis, Analytics, artificial intelligence, autonomy, C2, c4isr, CAOC, china, combat cloud, command and control, COVID, culture, cyber, decision making, Design, DFE, doctrine, Dynamic Force Employment, human domain, Information Operations, information warfare, innovation, intelligence, ISR, JADC2, MDC2, mdo, MDOS, multi-domain operations, national security, Nodal, Nodal Analysis, node, Pandemic, planning, Policy, risk, Russia, space, strategy, technology

In a pervasive and complex information environment, analytics are vital to understanding advanced threats. As we rely more on machine-learnt results, asking the right questions and visualizing deep analysis are key to grasping and solving problems. These skills are also vital 21st century leadership tools that can forge a common focus among otherwise stove-piped specialists.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents an urgent threat that requires both scientific understanding and decisive leadership. The cause of the disease is SARS CoV-2, a mutating virus that thrives in conditions difficult to control at scale. To counter this threat, this article demonstrates in detail the potential of human-led case method and machine-provided visual analytics.

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Artificial Intelligence in the Operational Information Environment: The Need for Proactive Doctrine

February 26, 2020June 1, 2020 Over The Horizon 2 Comments A2AD, ACE, acquisition, ACS, Agile Combat Employment, Agile Combat Support, AI, air force, airpower, army, artificial intelligence, autonomy, C2, c4isr, CAOC, china, combat cloud, command and control, culture, cyber, decision making, Design, DFE, doctrine, Dynamic Force Employment, human domain, Information Operations, information warfare, innovation, intelligence, ISR, JADC2, joint, Leadership, MDC2, mdo, MDOS, mission command, Multi Domain, multi-domain operations, national security, OODA Loop, planning, Policy, risk, Russia, space, strategy, technology, usaf

Joint operations doctrine omits the agency of artificial intelligence (AI) in the operational information environment, which is a problem. This commentary discusses why, and recommends effective changes. Key points are as follows. AI is becoming an autonomous cause of unanticipated effects. Humans are not the most effectively intelligent actors in all environments, yet our doctrine draws lessons from the past rather than anticipating emergent futures. Machines currently excel in experience-based learning and can discover relationships in data that we cannot discern. Humans can intuit, deceive, somewhat control, and manufacture and destroy machines. In time, AI will be able to perform those cognitive, informational and physical functions as well. As out-thought becomes out-fought, we need proactive doctrine now.

Multi Domain Operations

OODA Point: The Requirement for an Airman’s Approach to Operational Design (Part II)

August 20, 2019October 28, 2019 Over The Horizon 1 Comment air force, airpower, AOC, C2, c4isr, CFACC, command and control, cyber, Design, ISR, MDC2, mdo, MDOS, Multi Domain, multi-domain C2, OODA Loop, planning, technology

The ability to make and execute timely and effective decisions has been the foundation of military success for millennia. In the next decade, however, Combined Force Air Component Commanders (CFACC) planning, decision, and execution (PDE) cycles will be confronted by unprecedented challenges emerging in the constantly evolving digital ecosystem. The era of unrivaled access to the electromagnetic spectrum and dominance in multiple domains is rapidly coming to a close for the US airpower. As more and more state and non-state actors gain access to advanced technology, the CFACC’s PDE cycles will transition from an observe, orient, decide, act (OODA) loop to an OODA point. This phenomenon will also have a significant influence on the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) measures necessary to shape and execute preplanned and emergent decisions in contested operational environments. One way of mitigating these nascent vulnerabilities is to develop a deliberate framework of operational design focused on airpower to provide a proactive form of vision for future CFACCs.

OTH, multi-domain operations, emerging security environment

Featured

An Air Force Retreat: Moving Forward Without Space and Cyber C2 Authority

December 19, 2018January 6, 2019 Over The Horizon 1 Comment C2, command and control, cyber, space

The Air Force should abandon its crusade for primacy outside of the Air Domain and instead advocate for Theater Cyber and Space Component Commands, under their respective Combatant Commands

Featured Multi Domain Operations

Modernizing C2 of ISR – Part 2: Breaking ISR’s Industrial Age Chains

November 23, 2018December 9, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments aerospace, air and space operations center, air component, air force, airpower, AOC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, Claire Chennault, CMA, collection management authority, collection operations management, collection requirements management, COM, combat cloud, command and control, CRM, data analytics, decision making, Desert Storm, F-22, F-35, Hap Arnold, IC21, indivisibility of ISR, Information Age, intelligence, Intelligence Community in the 21st Century, ISR, ISR Tactical Controller, ITC, Joint Force, multi-domain C2, Norman Schwarzkopf, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, professionalization, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, surveillance, Thomas DeWitt Milling, United States Air Force, usaf

Theater-level ISR C2 must be modernized to ensure the Joint Force is prepared for a complex future and can achieve multi-domain success.

Multimedia

OTH Video: Interview with Lt Gen Jeff “Cobra” Harrigian

June 20, 2018September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments AFCENT, Afghanistan, air component, Authorities, c4isr, CAOC, CENTCOM, CJTF_OIR, command and control, Data Fusion, decision making, Distributed Operations, Future AOC, innovation, Integration, Open Architecture, People, Shared Understanding, Tags: Multi Domain Operations, Tool Optimization, trust

At the end of the day it’s about killing and surviving. To do that, we’ve got to go faster and think beyond just air, space, and cyber.

Featured Multi Domain Operations

Lt Gen Deptula Remarks – OTH Speaker Series – Aerospace Power in an Age of Uncertainty

February 28, 2018September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 1 Comment ACSC, aerospace, air and space operations center, Air Command and Staff College, air component, air force, Air University, Air War College, airpower, AOC, army, AU, AWC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, combat cloud, command and control, cyber, data analytics, David Deptula, decision making, Deptula, effects based operations, F-22, F-35, Goldfein, goldwaters-nichols, Gulf War, indivisibility of ISR, information, Information Age, intelligence, ISR, Joint Force, Marines, multi-domain C2, nation security, navy, nuclear forces, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, space, surveillance, United States Air Force, usaf

Retired Lt Gen David Deptula shares his thoughts on the future of warfare-in particular, aerospace power in an age of uncertainty.

Multimedia

OTH Anniversary Multi-Domain Command and Control: The Air Force Perspective with Brigadier General B. Chance Saltzman (Parts 1 and 2)

January 2, 2018September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments command and control, MDOS, mission command, multi-domain C2

As part of our anniversary celebration series, below we present the second most read article of 2017.

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Napoleon and von Moltke: Ghosts of Airpower, past and future.

December 21, 2017January 1, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments agility warfare, air power, airpower, C2, centralized command, command and control, decentralized execution, grand strategy, HIMARS, SHORAD, war theory, Warfare

By Brandon T. Losacker The Air Force lacks a coherent multi-domain airpower theory. This is a problem. The current doctrine

Multimedia

Interview with Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula: Part 3

November 3, 2017September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 1 Comment aerospace, air and space operations center, air component, air force, airpower, AOC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, combat cloud, command and control, data analytics, David Deptula, decision making, Deptula, F-22, F-35, Goldfein, Goldwater, goldwaters-nichols, indivisibility of ISR, Information Age, intelligence, ISR, Joint Force, Martin, Mitchell Institute, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Moseley, multi-domain C2, Nichols, O'Shaughnessy, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, surveillance, United States Air Force, usaf

In an interview, Lt Gen David Deptula (Ret) shares his perspective on current and future challenges for USAF leaders and joint operations.

Multimedia

Interview with Lt Gen (Ret.) David Deptula: Part 2

November 1, 2017September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 1 Comment aerospace, air and space operations center, air component, air force, airpower, AOC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, combat cloud, command and control, data analytics, David Deptula, decision making, Deptula, F-22, F-35, Goldfein, Goldwater, goldwaters-nichols, indivisibility of ISR, Information Age, intelligence, ISR, Joint Force, Martin, Mitchell Institute, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, Mosely, multi-domain C2, Nichols, O'Shaughnessy, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, surveillance, United States Air Force, usaf

Lt Gen David Deptula (Ret) shares his perspective on the Combat Cloud, ISR, and the need for airmen to serve as joint warfighting commanders.

Multimedia

OTH Interview of Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret): Part 1

October 18, 2017September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 4 Comments aerospace, air and space operations center, air component, air force, airpower, AOC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, combat cloud, command and control, data analytics, David Deptula, decision making, Deptula, F-22, F-35, Goldfein, Goldwaters, goldwaters-nichols, indivisibility of ISR, Information Age, intelligence, ISR, Joint Force, multi-domain C2, Nichols, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, surveillance, United States Air Force, usaf

In an interview, Lt Gen David Deptula (Ret) shares his perspective on current and future challenges for the USAF leaders and the Joint Force.

Commentary

Drop Zone: OTH Interview with Lt Gen David Deptula, USAF (Ret.)

October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 Over The Horizon 1 Comment aerospace, air and space operations center, air component, air force, airpower, AOC, C2, CAOC, CFACC, combat cloud, command and control, data analytics, David Deptula, decision making, Deptula, F-22, F-35, Goldfein, Goldwater-Nichols, indivisibility of ISR, Information Age, intelligence, ISR, Joint Force, multi-domain C2, OODA Loop, OTH, over the horizon, reconnaissance, sensor, sensor-shooter, surveillance, United States Air Force, usaf

In a candid interview, retired Lt Gen David Deptula, shares his perspective on current and future challenges for USAF leaders and the Joint Force.

Featured Multi Domain Operations

Bridge Builders to Make Multi-Domain Operations Work

August 31, 2017September 17, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments air force, command and control, MDOS, multi-domain C2, OODA

To achieve dominance in the networked age, the U.S. Air Force must build organizational expertise that can foster a culture that lives and breathes multi-domain integration.

Commentary

DROP ZONE: Joint Command and Control

May 5, 2017May 4, 2017 Over The Horizon 0 Comments army, command and control, drop zone, mission command

Our Services need to mature and lead the drive to Jointness, both across the DOD and the complex American alliance system

Interview

Multi-Domain Command and Control: The Air Force Perspective with Brigadier General B. Chance Saltzman (Part 2 of 2)

April 11, 2017April 24, 2017 Over The Horizon 1 Comment air force, command and control, doctrine, MDOS, national security

How do we need to organize as an Air Force to provide multi-domain capabilities? Second, how do we train our forces so they can provide multi-domain capability? Finally, how are we equipping our forces so they can do it?

Interview

Multi-Domain Command and Control: The Air Force Perspective with Brigadier General B. Chance Saltzman (Part 1 of 2)

April 3, 2017April 11, 2017 Over The Horizon 3 Comments command and control, MDOS, mission command, multi-domain C2

OTH interviews the US Air Force’s lead on developing multi-domain Command and Control.

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Reshaping Centralized Control / Decentralized Execution for the Emerging Operating Environment

March 13, 2017March 20, 2017 Over The Horizon 0 Comments ccdcde, ccde, comaffor, command and control, jfacc, joint task force, mission command

Centralized Control, Decentralized Execution remains as a central tenet for how the Air Force organizes to successfully employ airpower. But we cannot assume that the single theater COMAFFOR directly executing C2 over fielded forces without active participation by subordinate echelons will remain viable in the face of a near peer competitor.
By Brian McLean

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