Mission Type Orders and Joint Air Employment Doctrine.

Abstract : The struggle between air and land force commanders to control and shape the employment of air power is not a new one. The central role of air in the overwhelming coalition military success in the Gulf War intensified this debate, especially in regards to air interdiction in support of land maneuver warfare. This report explores the origins and nature of these 'airland debates' and examines how current Joint Doctrine has responded. It argues that the adoption of Mission Type Orders, as a new 'framework' for airland communication and decision-making at the Joint Force Commander level, will produce the trust and confidence necessary for future airland victory. Finally, it proposes changes to joint doctrine to facilitate the transition to Mission Type Orders in the areas of joint air apportionment, targeting and battlespace control.