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Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the U.S. Air Force stands poised at the forefront, armed not only with cutting-edge technology but also with strategic doctrine designed to seize and maintain dominance across all domains. With the release of its latest doctrine on Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Operations on December 2023, the Air Force reaffirms its commitment to advancing competitive advantage and confounding adversaries through mastery of the EMS.
Why is the EMS Domain Important?
The EMS is essential for modern warfare as it underpins various military capabilities, including:
- Communication: All forms of military communication, from simple radio transmissions to complex data exchanges, rely on the EMS.
- Navigation: GPS and other navigation systems utilize the EMS to provide critical positioning information.
- Sensor operation: Radar, electronic warfare systems, and other sensors all depend on the EMS to function effectively.
Dominating the EMS:
At the core of this doctrine lies a fundamental truth: dominance in the EMS can disrupt adversary operations on a scale that reverberates across the entire battlefield. By neutralizing adversary sensors, crippling situational awareness, disrupting command and control networks, and impeding decision-making processes, U.S. forces can render adversaries incapable of achieving their objectives. This strategic advantage not only enhances the U.S.’s position but also ensures the safety and success of allied forces.
In the modern era of warfare, mastering electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) is paramount for ensuring air superiority and achieving mission success. As articulated in Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-85, EMSO encompasses a wide array of activities aimed at exploiting, attacking, protecting, and managing the electromagnetic operational environment (EMOE). Understanding the intricacies of EMSO is crucial for maintaining an edge over adversaries and ensuring the effectiveness of joint force operations.
EMSO presents both opportunities and challenges in modern warfare. The increasing global reliance on the electromagnetic spectrum offers new avenues for exploitation during operations. However, it also exposes vulnerabilities and can restrict access for EMS-dependent systems. To maintain a competitive advantage, the joint force must adopt an offensive approach to EMSO, leveraging superior expertise and capabilities to outmaneuver adversaries across all domains.
Effective EMSO requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing electromagnetic warfare (EW) and electromagnetic spectrum management (ESM). EW activities are aimed at controlling the EMS to deceive, disrupt, degrade, or destroy enemy capabilities, while ESM involves planning and coordinating operations within the electromagnetic environment. By integrating EW and ESM, the joint force can sense, communicate, and attack the enemy with precision and efficiency.
The spectrum of electromagnetic effects, from detection and exploitation to deception, denial, and protection, underscores the complexity of EMSO. Through a coordinated effort encompassing offensive and defensive measures, commanders can leverage EMS capabilities to gain a decisive edge on the battlefield.
Embracing Adaptive Technology:
The doctrine underscores the Air Force’s proactive stance in supporting joint force initiatives by advocating for the relentless pursuit of adaptive technology. By continually innovating and evolving their capabilities, U.S. forces can stay ahead of adversaries, reducing their capabilities and expanding the advantage of the U.S. and its partners. This commitment to innovation ensures that the U.S. maintains its position as a global leader in military technology and strategy.
Understanding the EMS Domain:
A comprehensive understanding of the EMS domain is paramount to effective warfare in the modern era. The doctrine delves deep into the intricacies of EMS operations and electromagnetic warfare, equipping military personnel with the knowledge needed to navigate and exploit this critical domain.
By dissecting the intricacies of EMS operations and electromagnetic warfare, the doctrine equips military personnel with the knowledge needed to navigate and leverage this critical domain effectively. From the nuances of electromagnetic effects to the intricacies of attack strategies, U.S. forces are empowered to develop sophisticated approaches to disrupt adversary systems and gain a decisive edge on the battlefield.
Key Components:
Central to the doctrine are various components of EMS operations, each playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of conflicts. The doctrine delineates various components of EMS operations, including electromagnetic effects and attack strategies. By understanding electromagnetic effects and devising targeted attack strategies, military leaders can orchestrate precise and devastating blows against adversary forces. Whether through jamming enemy communications or spoofing their sensors, U.S. forces possess a diverse arsenal of tactics to achieve dominance in the EMS domain.
Evolution from Previous Doctrine:
This updated doctrine represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, building upon the foundation laid in July 2019. It emphasizes the flow of authorities within the joint force and provides detailed insight into the air component’s specific responsibilities, roles, and capabilities in EMS operations. By learning from past experiences and adapting to emerging threats, the U.S. Air Force remains at the forefront of modern warfare, ready to confront any challenge that may arise.
Enhanced EMSO Doctrine: A Three-Pronged Approach
The recently updated Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) doctrine represents a significant leap forward, transcending mere delineation of responsibilities to establish a comprehensive framework for joint EMS operations. It devotes entire chapters to three pivotal stages:
- Planning: At the outset, meticulous planning is imperative, involving:
- Threat Assessment: Delving deep into adversary capabilities and vulnerabilities within the EMS domain.
- Mission Development: Crafting a precise strategy to harness EMS capabilities and exploit adversary weaknesses in pursuit of operational goals.
- Resource Allocation: Coordinating and assigning joint assets and personnel to execute planned EMS operations effectively.
- Execution: This phase centers on the seamless implementation of planned operations, encompassing:
- Synchronized Employment of EMS Assets: Coordinating the utilization of diverse air and joint force capabilities within the EMS domain to yield a unified and impactful effect.
- Dynamic Adaptation: Continuously monitoring the operational landscape and adapting tactics and strategies to maintain an advantage.
- Clear Communication Maintenance: Ensuring efficient information flow across the joint force to facilitate coordinated decision-making and execution.
- Assessment: In the final stage, assessment plays a pivotal role, involving:
- Effectiveness Evaluation: Rigorously analyzing the outcomes of EMS operations to gauge their impact on achieving mission objectives and disrupting adversary capabilities.
- Lessons Learned Identification: Extracting invaluable insights from operational experiences to enrich future planning and enhance EMS tactics and strategies.
Organizational Framework:
A robust organizational framework is essential for the effective execution of EMS operations. The doctrine provides clarity on the nominal organization and staff functions related to joint EMS operations, facilitating seamless coordination and execution of activities across different branches of the military.
Chapter 3 of the document focuses on the organization and responsibilities associated with Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO). It outlines the command structure, highlighting the air component commander’s control over USAF EW forces and the delegation of tactical control to the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC). The concept of mission command is emphasized, with planning conducted at the air component level and execution directed by the JFACC. Overall, the chapter underscores the critical importance of coordination, planning, and execution in EMS activities to ensure unity of effort and effective utilization of electromagnetic spectrum resources within joint operations. By delineating roles and responsibilities, the framework ensures that U.S. forces operate with maximum efficiency and effectiveness in contested environments.
Appendix A discusses the integration of cyberspace operations with Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO). It highlights the importance of coordination and synchronization between EW, USAF information network operations, and US Cyber Command to maximize synergistic effects. Cyberspace operations often require access to the EMS for communication purposes, and examples of EMSO activities in support of cyberspace operations are provided.
Appendix B focuses on Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) in the space domain. It emphasizes the integration between Air Force and Space Force assets to preserve freedom of action in space and support joint all-domain operations. EW considerations for the space domain, such as persistence, standoff, regional effects, approval authorities, and effects synchronization, are discussed in detail. Additionally, responsibilities of Space Force personnel regarding space-based EW operations are outlined.
Appendix C addresses EW reprogramming, particularly in the context of maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of EW and target sensing system equipment in a rapidly evolving electromagnetic operational environment. It discusses the need for software reprogrammable EMS-dependent system waveforms and outlines the programming and reprogramming support process, including the role of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing as the Operational Reprogramming Center for certain aircraft.
Conclusion:
With the publication of this doctrine, the U.S. Air Force reaffirms its commitment to mastering the EMS domain and maintaining supremacy on the battlefield. By prioritizing joint operations, harnessing adaptive technology, and establishing a robust framework for planning, execution, and assessment, the Air Force endeavors to empower the joint force and uphold its competitive advantage amidst evolving threats. By empowering the joint force with the knowledge and tools necessary to exploit EMS capabilities, the doctrine ensures that the U.S. and its allies remain prepared to confront emerging challenges and secure victory in contested environments.
This revamped doctrine epitomizes the Air Force’s proactive approach to securing dominance in the EMS domain. With this strategic blueprint in place, the Air Force charts a course towards unparalleled spectrum supremacy, ensuring readiness to confront and overcome any challenge on the modern battlefield. As technology continues to advance and adversaries evolve, the U.S. Air Force stands ready to adapt and overcome, securing a brighter and safer future for generations to come.
