Currently, all Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA) forces deployed in support of combat operations are under the operational control of a Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC). The JSOAC Commander commands and controls all airpower in support of the overall Joint Force Special Operations Component Commander (JFSOCC) mission. This practice is contrary to Army doctrine that stipulates that Army Aviation operates as a maneuver force in the ground commander's regime, integrated into the combined arms team at the tactical level. The JSOAC is largely a USAF manned and led organization and is a peer to the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF), reporting directly to the Theater Special Operations Command Commander. This command and control structure consistently creates friction and animosity between the JSOTF, JSOAC and ARSOA. ARSOA is best employed directly under the JSOTF Commander, rather than under the current construct as a component in the JSOAC as prescribed in USSOCOM Directive 525-8.


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    Title :

    Command and Control of Special Operations Aviation: Time for a Change


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2011


    Size :

    34 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English