The Operational Re-Set: Distributed Aviation Operations
In my interview with MajGen Benedict, shortly before his retirement from the USMC as the Commanding General of 2nd Marine Air Wing, we discussed the challenge of distributed aviation operations (DAO) as seen in a recent exercise with the Nordic militaries:
We discussed DAO and how it differed from simply being a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP). The difference is profound.
While a FARP remains the most visible manifestation of DO, it is the final action and does not by itself reflect significant choices and work necessary to create that capability to re-arm air assets at remote and ever changing locations – allowing the force to disaggregate for protection and then aggregate to mass combat capability, all in a rapid manner to maintain tempo.
As MajGen Benedict put it: The difference is the backside. Where is the location? Why that location? How do we get the fuel there? How do we get ordinance there? How do we provide force protection? How do we maintain the aircraft and for how long? How long are we going to be there? When do we need to move? All of these things are what I call the backside of distributed operations.
To deal with this challenge, 2nd MAW has added a functional area inside of its Tactical Air Command Center which is called a Distributed Operations Coordination Cell. According to Benedict: Here we plan out and initiate coordination and execution of all the aviation ground support necessary to support an ATO in a distributed environment.
In other words, the synergistic capability of the air elements of the USMC – fifth gen fast jets, the Osprey, attack helos, and heavy lift elements – need to be supported by a DAO ecosystem – C2, readiness for deployment, maintainability at remote locations, and supportability in terms of ordinance.
The USMC new aviation plan highlights the need for investments and focus on such key elements of an ecosystem that can allow the USMC with its joint and coalition partners to move across the chessboard of the battlespace.
In fact, in addition to focusing on the core aircraft the Marines already have and are modernizing and adding new capabilities in the future, a significant focus is on investing in, training for and executing DAO in support of the USMC insertion force, which can operate off of capital ships or be deployed to deliver distributed maritime effects in support of joint maritime operations.
In the aviation plan, the key line of effort is identified as follows:
Focus on the viability of two new concepts: Distributed Aviation Operations (DAO) and Decision Centric Aviation Operations (DCAO).
These concepts are meant to support Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), Stand-in Force (SIF), and broader force modernization efforts. These concepts, which will be tested and developed via the Marine Corps’ Concept Generation and Development Process, will drive aviation strategy, doctrine, and acquisitions.
I will focus on this operational driver to the modernization of aircraft and to the shaping of a realistic eco system which can leverage air modernization in support of more lethal and sustainable distributed force whether leveraging capital ships or delivering distributed maritime effects.
Note: The interview with MajGen Benedict along with other operational commanders can be found in our recently released annual publication, this year’s being titled Defense XXIV.