Stretching the Umbilical Cord

This study addresses the question of whether or not the Air Force should continue to develop a Split Air Operations Center (AOC) capability whose components are geographically separated, electronically connected, and codependent for task accomplishment. The author analyzes the dilemma created by the Joint Forces Air Component Commander's (JFACC's) desire to collocate with both his AOC and the Joint Forces Commander (JFC) at a forward location, counterbalanced by the need to reduce deployed footprint for various reasons ? the most significant of which is to enhance his deployed force protection posture. The study examines the Split AOC as a potential solution to this dilemma. The paper begins by describing a contemporary, collocated AOC structure, as used by the Combat Air Forces' worldwide-deployable Numbered Air Forces. It then contrasts this contemporary AOC with the Split AOC paradigm.