Integrating Space-Based Fires into the Joint Force after Next

How should future commanders integrate space-based fires into their combat operations? Space-based fires represent a significant departure from traditional force structure. They present such an interesting challenge because of their global nature and their out-of-theater planning and execution processes. As a result, fires from space will require significant integration from the operational to tactical level. Unfortunately, current doctrine on commanding, planning and executing is insufficient to accommodate space-based fires. This paper blends current joint and service doctrine on space operations, fires, fire support and command and control with emerging methodologies on out-of-theater support operations, to create a more comprehensive view on how space-based fires integrate with in-theater combat forces at the operational and tactical levels. The author contends a strong tactical space control system, leveraging communication combined with the establishment of specific support relationships at the right echelons will allow for coherent and effective integration of space-based fires in the joint force after next.