Command and Control and the Royal Canadian Air Force
In order for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to remain operationally relevant to Canadians and our allied partners, it must maintain a number of capabilities in order to perform a wide range of missions at home and abroad. Since the end of the Cold War, operations have become more varied and increasingly complex. While the tactical-level squadrons and units of the RCAF have consistently participated in many successful operations (ranging from humanitarian assistance to open conflict), it is the operational level where the greatest learning has been taking place. Air power is now being asked to participate in operations that are far less predictable, involve new asymmetric threats and are often far from home. How the RCAF is commanded and controlled in this evolving context is a matter of significant importance to commanders and personnel at all levels. In order to fill gaps in our current professional development, this series of articles looks closely at how the RCAF practices the evolving process of command and control. These articles have been written to expose military members at any stage of their careers to concepts that are often lacking in official doctrine manuals and orders. It is hoped that the ideas contained within each article can act as a starting point for further discussion which will increase the reader’s general understanding of the application of air power in joint operations.