Results of command, control training study show roadmap ahead
Posted 2/17/2011
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2/17/2011 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- Standardizing command and control, or C2, training across air, space and cyber domains and consolidating training here were the main recommendations of a recent independent study completed for Air Combat Command.
Results and proposed priorities of the study examining Air Force operational-level C2 training were briefed to Air Force Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Education and Training Command senior leaders Feb. 11, 14 and 15. Gen. William M. Fraser III, ACC commander, received the initial briefing Jan. 13.
Helping meet the Defense Department's Next Generation of Training Strategy, intended to foster a path for revolutionary training, Air Force officials awarded a contract Aug. 16 to study training gaps and standardization of air, space and cyberspace C2 warfighters. The 118-page study, completed Jan. 12, also examined development of an advanced C2 training campus to consolidate formal training in one location.
The research included current C2 training environments, senior leader and crewmember surveys, and face-to-face interviews at most Component-Number Air Forces, or C-NAFs, warfare centers and with major command staffs around the globe.
The study recommends Air Force officials aggressively implement a more robust operational-level C2 training experience, focusing on cross-domain integration of warfighting effects and introducing crewmembers to warfighting domains other than their initial experience. According to officials this will break down internal stove-pipes and better prepare leaders to serve in joint and coalition C2 environments.
Last April, Lt. Gen. William Rew, ACC vice commander, directed U.S. Air Force Warfare Center officials, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to conduct the study, calling it the first step in developing a solution which will benefit Air Force C2 in the future. Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, USAFWC commander, was given a preliminary results briefing Dec. 16.
"I believe many of the study's elements are low-hanging fruit that can be implemented very quickly," General Hyatt said. "The advanced training for colonels and general officers will do much to advance integrated air, space and cyber C2 capabilities."
The Hurlburt-based 505th Command and Control Wing figured to play prominently in the study from the beginning since the wing's mission directive, to "improve warfighter capability through command and control testing, tactics development and training," was published in April.
"Centralizing cyber and space operations center training at Hurlburt Field, along with the existing AOC and AFFOR staff training will enable critical cross-flow of expertise to fully integrate our Air Force capabilities," said Col. Edward McKinzie, 505th CCW commander.
During 2010, the 505th CCW trained more than 85,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and coalition forces. The wing Airmen, through a multi-disciplinary approach, provide training and development of tactics, techniques and procedures for CNAF headquarters; testing and training of key C2 and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; and comprehensive, realistic, cutting-edge operational and tactical-level live, virtual and constructive exercises for joint and coalition forces. |
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