Linking ABM Competencies and AWACS Capabilities to Future Operations

The functions air battle managers (ABM) provide to tactical and operational warfighters through the utilization of systems onboard the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) enhances the forces capability to conduct missions in support of the Joint Force Commander's objectives. However, contention on how to properly integrate battle management functions into operations occurs between ABMs, mission commanders, and leadership at the operational level. This is due to confusion surrounding doctrinal definitions of battle management/command and control (BMC2), changing missions for AWACS employment, and constantly evolving core competencies of ABMs. Subsequently, ABMs find themselves accomplishing several tasks and missions simultaneously in order to support combat operations. Joint Functional Air Component Commanders, combat plans and operations divisions in the Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC), and mission commanders have used BM to ensure successful mission accomplishment in accordance with the commanders' intent. Regardless of doctrinal misconceptions among leadership, the efforts of competent ABMs lead the success of BM at the tactical level of warfare. These challenges will continue to persist as improvement in technology provides enhanced reach-back communications to the CAOC. As conflict changes and technology improves, future battle management tasks must be identified in order to evolve and create competencies that will provide the Joint Force Commander with a credible function that can fuse the tactical and operational aspects BMC2.