U.S. Air Force Updates Doctrine to Address Great Power Competition

By Defence Industry Europe

The United States Air Force has unveiled three updated doctrine publications to enhance its readiness for Great Power Competition. These include Air Force Doctrine Publication (AFDP) 3-0, Operations; AFDP 3-0.1, Command and Control; and AFDP 5-0, Planning, each focused on strengthening the Air Force’s operational framework.

 

The updates align with the Air Force’s ‘One Force Design’, a strategy aimed at integrating structure, capabilities, and strategies to meet modern and future warfare demands. Air Force Chief of Staff, General David Allvin, emphasised the need for adaptability in today’s rapidly evolving strategic environment, stating that the doctrines ensure the Air Force remains a unified force prepared to deter and prevail in conflict.

The revised doctrines build on the foundational principles established in AFDP 1, which centralised airpower under the philosophy of mission command and introduced a Centralized Command-Distributed Control-Decentralized Execution framework. Together, they aim to embed a cohesive operational culture, enabling Airmen to address complex challenges in contested environments effectively.

 

 

AFDP 3-0 serves as the cornerstone document on employing and commanding airpower. It outlines the unique functions of the Air Force while linking its capabilities to joint operations. The revised AFDP 3-0.1, Command and Control, highlights mission command’s role in adapting force presentation for joint all-domain operations in a competitive global landscape.

A new addition, AFDP 5-0, Planning, introduces the Air Force Planning Process. This methodology equips Airmen with tools for addressing complex problems and preparing for future joint operations. By focusing on planning, the Air Force aims to enhance unit empowerment and overall strategic readiness.

 

 

Major General Parker Wright, Commander of the LeMay Center, described the doctrine updates as a critical milestone in the Air Force’s modernisation journey. “This realignment ensures our doctrine is timely, relevant, and aligned with the National Defense Strategy,” he stated.

 

Source: U.S. Air Force.

 

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