Authoritative Joint Doctrine

Focusing the guidance of Joint Publication 3-52, Joint Doctrine for Airspace Control in the Combat Zone, from a vague, principles-based document to a tailorable, framework-based guide may improve future joint airspace interdependency. An essential element required to achieve interdependency requires the establishment of a joint airspace Common Operational Picture (COP) which maximizes service specific air management and airpower capabilities. Two critical requirements for developing a joint airspace COP include adoption of a common reference system and institution of kill box methodologies into joint airspace management. A common reference system provides the underlying framework for development of a joint airspace COP. To prevent uncoordinated efforts, JP 3-52 should mandate a single common reference system, and the Global Area Reference System (GARS) exhibits the greatest potential for integrating joint efforts across sea, air, and land domains. Implementing GARS enables a single COP across the joint force, significantly increasing the situational awareness (SA) of all forces operating in the same environment.