AIR POWER DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

CHAPTER 13 AIR POWER DEFINITIONS AND TERMS All terms and definitions are drawn from British Defence Doctrine, the NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (AAP 6), JWP 0-01.1 or other sources as indicated. Those marked NTP are under consideration in the NATO Terminology Programme. Agencies. A distinct non-military body which has objectives that are broadly consistent with those of the campaign. Aim (Military). A single unambiguous military purpose that must be established before a plan can be developed at any level of command for a military operation. (JWP 0-01.1) Airborne Early Warning (AEW). Air Surveillance and control provided by airborne early warning aircraft equipped with search and height finding radar and communications equipment for controlling weapon systems. (AAP 6) Airhead. A designated area in a hostile or threatened territory which, when seized and held, ensures the continuous air landing of troops and materiel and provides the manoeuvre space necessary for projected operations. Normally it is the area seized in the assault phase of an airborne operation. Air Interdiction. An air operation conducted to destroy, neutralize or delay the enemy s military potential before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces at such a distance from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required. (AAP 6) Airlift. Strategic or inter-theatre airlift is the carriage of passengers and cargo between theatres of operation. Tactical or intra-theatre airlift is the carriage of passengers and cargo within a theatre of operation. Air Operations for Strategic Effect. Air Operations for Strategic Effect are aimed to destroy or disrupt the defined strategic centre of gravity of an opponent. The effect sought by air power could be destructive, non-destructive or a combination of both, against target sets which undermine the opponent s ability, will and means to continue his aggression. Air operations for strategic effect are not limited to bombing or solely the domain of attack aircraft. All combat aircraft and associated weapon systems are capable of action for strategic effect. 3.13.1

Air Superiority. That degree of dominance in the air battle of one force over another which permits the conduct of operations by the former and its related land, sea and air forces at a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. (AAP 6) Air Supremacy. That degree of air superiority wherein the opposing air force is incapable of effective interference. (AAP 6) Area of Responsibility. The geographical area assigned by the military-strategic authority within which the operational level commander has authority to plan and conduct the campaign and control all joint actions supporting his mission. (NTP) Attrition. The reduction of the effectiveness of a force caused by loss of personnel and materiel. (AAP 6) Attrition Warfare. A style of warfare characterized by the application of substantial combat power that reduces an enemy s ability to fight through loss of personnel and equipment. Essentially it aims at the physical destruction of the enemy. (JWP 0-01.1) Battle Damage Assessment. The timely and accurate estimate of damage resulting from the application of military force, either lethal or non-lethal, against a predetermined objective assessment. Battlespace. All aspects of air, surface, sub-surface, land, space and the electromagnetic spectrum that encompass the area of operations. (JWP 0-01.1) Battlespace Dominance. The degree of control over the dimensions of the battlespace that enhances friendly freedom of action and denies the enemy freedom of action. It permits power projection and force sustainment to accomplish the full range of potential missions. (JWP 0-01.1) Campaign. A set of related joint military operations in a given area(s) designed to achieve particular objectives. (NTP) Centre of Gravity. Characteristic(s), capability(ies), or locality(ies) from which a nation, an alliance, a military force or other grouping derive its freedom of action, physical strength or will to fight. (NTP) Close Air Support. Air action against hostile targets which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces. (AAP 6) 3.13.2

Collateral Damage. Damage to personnel and property adjacent to, but not forming part of, an authorised target. (JWP 0-01.1) Combat Air Patrol. An aircraft patrol provided over an objective area, over the force protected, over the critical area of a combat zone, or over an air defence area, for the purpose of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft before they reach their target. (AAP 6) Combat Power. The total means of destruction and/or disruptive force which a military unit/force can apply against the opponent at a given time. Combined Operations. Military operations in which elements of two or more Allied nations participate. (AAP 6) Combined Joint Task Force. A multinational multi-service task force. The CJTF Headquarters Concept provides for deployable multinational multi-service headquarters of variable size formed to command and control CJTFs of NATO and possibly non-nato nations. A CJTF HQ could also be deployed for WEU led operations. Command. Command is the authority vested in an individual for the direction, coordination and control of military forces. (AAP 6) Commander s Estimate of the Situation. A formal analysis of the situation, mission, enemy and own courses of action conducted in preparation for forming a commander s intentions and concept of operations. Commander s Intent. A concise expression of the purpose of a campaign or operation, the desired results and how operations will progress towards achieving the desired end-state. At the tactical level, the Commander s Intent should be focused on the effect that he wishes to achieve on the enemy. (JWP 0-01.1) Commonality. A state achieved when groups of individuals, organisations or nations use common doctrines, procedures or equipment. (AAP 6) Compatibility. The capability of 2 or more items or components of equipment or materiel to exist or function in the same system or environment without mutual interference. (AAP 6) 3.13.3

Components. Components are forces of one or more Service grouped into functional force elements (i.e. Maritime, Land, Air, Logistics and Special Forces) or, exceptionally by Service or geographical area, organized under one or more component commanders subordinate to the operational level commander. Concept of Operations. A clear and concise statement of the line of action chosen by a commander in order to accomplish his mission. (AAP 6) Coordinating Authority. The authority granted to a commander or individual assigned responsibility for coordinating specific functions or activities involving forces of 2 or more Services or 2 or more forces of the same Service. He has the authority to require consultation between the agencies involved or their representatives, but does not have authority to compel agreement. In case of disagreement between the agencies involved, he should attempt to obtain essential agreement by discussion. In the event he is unable to obtain essential agreement, he should refer the matter to the appropriate authority. (AAP 6) Coordinator of Supporting Command Functions. When appointed by CDS as UK Coordinator Of Supporting Command Functions (CSCF) for a particular operation, CJO is to assume responsibility for coordinating the deployment, sustainment and recovery of assigned UK forces, and is accordingly granted Coordinating Authority between all UK Commands. CJO will, in these circumstances, be the primary national point of contact at the operational HQ level for dealings with NATO Military Authorities (NMAS) or their equivalents. Coordinating authority does not in itself carry any command authority, or affect the responsibility of the Supporting Commands to the UK COS. Counter-Air Operations. Operations to achieve and maintain the required degree of control of the air. Culminating Point. An operation reaches its culminating point when the current operation can just be maintained but not developed to any greater advantage. Deception. Those measures designed to mislead an adversary by manipulation, distortion or falsification. (AAP 6) Decisive Point. An event, the successful outcome of which is a precondition to unlocking the enemy's centre of gravity. Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) Operations. Operations consisting of all measures which might be used to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of hostile air action. 3.13.4

Direct Air Operations. Direct air operations are intended to bring the flexibility and the precision of air power to bear where and when it is needed. Direct air missions may include denial, disruption and mobility operations in direct contact with opposing forces. Such operations require close coordination and, possibly, control from other elements, be they land, sea or air. Directive. A military communication in which policy is established or a specific action is ordered. (AAP 6) Doctrine. Fundamental principles by which the military forces guide their actions in support of objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgement in application. (AAP 6) End-State. The state of affairs which needs to be achieved at the end of a campaign either to terminate the conflict or to resolve the situation/conflict on favourable satisfactory terms. (NTP) Favourable Air Situation. An air situation in which the extent of air effort applied by the enemy air forces is insufficient to prejudice the success of friendly land, sea or air operations. (JWP 0-01.1) Force Protection. Process which aims to conserve the fighting potential of the deployed force by countering the wider threat to all its elements from an adversary, natural and human hazards and fratricide. (JWP 0-01.1) Fratricide. The accidental destruction of own, allied or friendly forces. A result of what is colloquially known as a blue on blue engagement. (JWP 0-01.1) Full Command. The military authority and responsibility of a superior officer to issue orders to subordinates. It covers every aspect of military operations and administration and remains a national responsibility which cannot be delegated. No multinational commander will therefore have Full Command over forces assigned to him by other nations. Host Nation Support (HNS). Civil and military assistance rendered in peace, crisis and war by a host nation to allied forces and NATO organizations which are located on or in transit through the host nation s territory. (AAP 6) 3.13.5

Indirect Air Operations. Operations aimed at depriving the enemy of the military power he needs to occupy territory or exploit sea space by neutralising, delaying or destroying surface forces. Indirect air operations enable a commander to take advantage of both friendly strengths and enemy weaknesses, whilst preserving his own freedom of action. Interchangeability. A condition which exists when 2 or more items possess such functional and physical characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability, and are capable of being exchanged one for the other without alteration of the items themselves, or of adjoining items, except for adjustment, and without selection for fit and performance. (AAP 6) Interoperability. The ability of systems, units or forces to provide services to and accept services from other systems, units or forces and to use the services so exchanged to enable them to operate effectively together. (AAP 6) Joint. Connotes activities, operations, organizations etc in which elements of more than one Service of the same nation participate. Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC). The JFACC is responsible for planning, coordination and tasking of air missions to meet the Commander Allied Joint Forces (COMAJF) objectives. In national terms he would be responsible to the JTFC. Joint Task Force Commander. The operational commander of a nominated joint force. Lines of Operation. Lines of operation link decisive points in time and space on the path to the centre of gravity. Main Effort. A concentration of forces or means, in a particular area, where a commander seeks to bring about a decision. (JWP 0-01.1) Manoeuvre Warfare. Manoeuvre Warfare is a war-fighting philosophy that seeks to defeat the enemy by shattering his morale and physical cohesion - his ability to fight as an effective, coordinated whole - rather than by destroying him physically through incremental attrition. (JWP 0-01.1) Manoeuvrist. A term describing an approach that employs the principles of Manoeuvre Warfare. 3.13.6

Mission Command. A style of command that seeks to convey understanding to subordinates about the intentions of the higher commander and their place within his plan, enabling them to carry out missions with the maximum freedom of action and appropriate resources. (JWP 0-01.1) Multinational Operations. Operations in which elements of 2 or more nations participate and which are normally based on a coalition. No Fly Zone. Zone of airspace established by international mandate (or conceivably unilaterally as a military or total exclusion zone) in which the flying of specified types of aircraft is prohibited. (JWP 0-01.1) Offensive Counter-Air (OCA) Operations. Operations mounted to destroy, disrupt or confine enemy air power as close to its bases as practicable. Operation. A military action or the carrying out of a strategic, tactical, service, training, or administrative military mission; the process of carrying on combat, including movement, supply, attack, defence and manoeuvres needed to gain the objectives of any battle or campaign. (NTP) Operational Art. The skilful employment of military forces to attain strategic goals through the design, organization, integration and conduct of campaigns and major operations. Operational Command (OPCOM). The authority granted to a commander to assign missions or tasks to subordinate commanders, to deploy units, to re-assign forces and to retain or delegate operational and/or tactical control as may be deemed necessary. It does not include responsibility for administration or logistics. (AAP 6) Operational Control (OPCON). The authority delegated to a commander to direct forces assigned so that the commander may accomplish specific missions or tasks which are usually limited by function, time or location; to deploy units concerned, and to retain or assign tactical control of those units. It does not include authority to assign separate employment of components of the units concerned. Neither does it include administrative or logistic control. (AAP 6) Operational Level of War. The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are planned, conducted and sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within areas of responsibility. 3.13.7

Operational Pause. A pause in operations while retaining the initiative in other ways. Order. A communication, written or oral, or by signal, which conveys instruction from a superior to a subordinate. (AAP 6) Peace Support Operations. Multi-functional operations involving military forces and diplomatic and humanitarian agencies. They are designed to achieve humanitarian goals or long term political settlement and are conducted impartially in support of an appropriate mandate. These include peacekeeping, peace enforcement, conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacebuilding and humanitarian operations. Phase. A phase is a discrete and identifiable activity along a Military Line of Operation in time and/or space that allows for the reorganisation and redirection of forces as part of the superior commander s plan. (JWP 0-01.1) Principles of War. The Principles of War are guides to action and fundamental tenets forming the basis for appreciating a situation and planning, but their relevance, applicability and relative importance change with circumstances. (JWP 0-01.1) Recognized Air Picture. The fullest achievable agreed level of identification and tracking of all airborne contacts in the area of interest. Reconnaissance. A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or to secure data about meteorological, hydrographical or geographic characteristics of a particular area. (AAP 6) Sequencing. The arrangement of activities within a campaign in the order most likely to achieve the elimination of the enemy's centre of gravity. Simultaneity. Element of campaign and operational design that seeks to disrupt the decision-making process of the enemy commander by confronting him with a number of problems simultaneously. (JWP 0-01.1) Supported Commander. A commander having primary responsibility for all aspects of a task assigned by higher authority. (NTP) Supporting Commander. A commander who furnishes forces, equipment, logistics or other support to a supported commander, or who develops a supporting plan. (NTP) 3.13.8

Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). The purpose of SEAD missions is to neutralise, destroy or degrade enemy surface-to-air defence systems, which could include parts of an integrated air defence system, radars and early-warning systems. Surveillance. The systematic observation of the aerospace, surface and sub-surface areas, places, persons or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic or other means. (AAP 6) Sustainability. The ability of a force to maintain the necessary level of combat power for the duration required to achieve its objectives. (AAP 6) Synchronization. The focusing of resources and activities to produce maximum combat power at the decisive time. (JWP 0-01.1) Tactical Command (TACOM). The authority delegated to a commander to assign tasks to forces under his command for the accomplishment of the mission assigned by higher authority. (AAP 6) Tactical Control (TACON). The detailed and usually local direction and control of movement and manoeuvre necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned. (AAP 6) Theatre of Operations. A geographical area defined by the military-strategic authority which includes and surrounds the area delegated to the operational commander within which he will conduct operations. 3.13.9