AIR-603A Assignment 1: Analysis of INDOPACOM’s Key Adversarial Challenges
In this assignment, you will analyze concepts presented in the prerequisite courses (AIR-601S, Air and Space Missions; AIR-602S, Air and Space in Joint Operations; and JNT-601S, Joint Fundamentals) in the context of a contemporary strategic challenge. Through this detailed examination of the relationships between elements of an operational problem and elements of joint force operational approaches, you will gain a deeper understanding of the concepts, constructs and doctrine that enable joint operations.
Develop an 1,100-to-1,300-word essay according to the following prompt:
COMUSINDOPACOM, in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee in 2023Links to an external site., described numerous “key adversarial challenges” to INDOPACOM and US interests. While there are many ways to explore these challenges, one important facet is to consider them through the lenses of the joint functions and Air Force core missions. Choose one of the five essay options below and conduct a thorough analysis of the listed “key adversarial challenge” and its associated Air Force core mission and joint function.
In your analysis, do the following three tasks.
- Briefly describe the purpose and scope of the joint function and Air Force core mission area.
- Explain how the function/core mission area are impacted by the selected key adversarial challenge.
- Based on material from the self-paced courses and other sources as desired, describe a US military strategy, concept, or anticipated future capability that should help mitigate any negative impact(s) that the INDOPACOM key challenge has on the associated joint function and/or core mission area.
For your essay, here’s a structured OUTLINE that aligns with the prompt:
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce the COMUSINDOPACOM testimony and the concept of key adversarial challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. Highlight the significance of exploring these challenges through the framework of joint functions and Air Force core missions.
- State your selected adversarial challenge, joint function, and Air Force core mission for analysis.
2. Purpose and Scope of the Joint Function and Air Force Core Mission
- Joint Function: Provide an overview of the specific joint function (e.g., movement and maneuver, intelligence, sustainment, etc.) you are analyzing. Describe its role in military operations and its relevance in the Indo-Pacific context.
- Air Force Core Mission: Similarly, define the Air Force core mission you are focusing on (e.g., rapid global mobility, air superiority, global strike). Discuss its scope, purpose, and significance to U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Adversarial Challenge’s Impact on the Joint Function and Core Mission
- Describe the selected adversarial challenge in more detail (e.g., China’s militarization of the South China Sea, cyber warfare, anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems).
- Analyze how this challenge affects the chosen joint function. For example, if you selected movement and maneuver, discuss how adversarial A2/AD strategies restrict the ability to project forces or move assets freely in the region.
- Similarly, analyze the impact on the Air Force core mission. If discussing rapid global mobility, explain how the adversary’s systems, such as anti-aircraft systems or cyber threats, can hinder the Air Force’s ability to deploy or sustain forces rapidly in the theater.
4. US Military Strategy or Concept to Mitigate Negative Impacts
- Drawing from the self-paced courses and other resources, describe a current or emerging military strategy, concept, or capability that could mitigate the adverse effects posed by the challenge.
- For example, if you are discussing China’s A2/AD, you might explore the concept of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) or advancements in hypersonic missile technology to overcome those limitations.
- Discuss anticipated future capabilities, such as stealth technology, space-based assets, or AI-driven decision-making systems, that would enhance U.S. military response to the adversarial challenge.