The Air Force has a team assembling the concept of operations for its futuristic multi-domain operations center that was featured in its Future Operating Concept (FOC) released last fall.
Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Lt. Gen. John Raymond said Wednesday this team is figuring out how to best integrate air, space and cyberspace capabilities, synchronizing the efforts of the regional air operations centers (AOC) with the global AOCs and providing the air component commanders decision-quality information in the tactical timelines they require.
During an Air Force Association breakfast event in Arlington, Va., Raymond said future air domain operations will be characterized by a mix of assets including low-observable fifth generation fighter jets; long range strike bombers; and remotely-operated, semi-autonomous and autonomous assets, all networked together. This, he said, will improve the speed, range, flexibility, standoff capability and precision in air dominance and global precision strike mission areas.
Air Force command and control (C2) operational level forces organize around the MDOCs, the service says in its Future Operating Concept. Organizing around the MDOCs provides the tools necessary to exercise dynamic C2, which allows MDOC airmen to fully integrate global assets with those already established in the region.
Advanced technology and innovative approaches change how the MDOC operates compared to the AOCs of the past. Functional teams build, execute and assess operations based on a multi-domain common operating picture. Individual force elements are tasked when they are available and required, in accordance with a continually-updated plan that is communicated through widespread use of user-defined operating picture (UDOP).
The Air Force did not return a request for comment by press time Wednesday.