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Module 3: Foundations of Doctrine and The PAF Air Power Structure

This document discusses the foundations of military doctrine and the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) air power structure. It begins by defining military doctrine as the expression of how military forces contribute to campaigns and operations, and as the building material for strategy. It then explains that the PAF developed its own doctrines to provide a conceptual framework that is relevant to its current operating environment. The PAF's air power structure visually represents the hierarchy of air power elements and how they are integrated and work together. The Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyberspace and Intelligence (C4I) system is considered the "heart" of the air power structure as it provides critical support to air assets. Finally, it notes that

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298 views3 pages

Module 3: Foundations of Doctrine and The PAF Air Power Structure

This document discusses the foundations of military doctrine and the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) air power structure. It begins by defining military doctrine as the expression of how military forces contribute to campaigns and operations, and as the building material for strategy. It then explains that the PAF developed its own doctrines to provide a conceptual framework that is relevant to its current operating environment. The PAF's air power structure visually represents the hierarchy of air power elements and how they are integrated and work together. The Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyberspace and Intelligence (C4I) system is considered the "heart" of the air power structure as it provides critical support to air assets. Finally, it notes that

Uploaded by

Kenny Joe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 3: Foundations of Doctrine and the PAF Air Power Structure

“At the very heart of warfare lies doctrine. It represents the central beliefs for waging
war in order to achieve victory. Doctrine is of the mind, a network of faith and
knowledge reinforced by experience which lays the pattern for the utilization of men,
equipment, and tactics. It is the building material for strategy. It is fundamental to sound
judgment”.
— General Curtis E. LeMay

Air Power Structure and the development of PAF Doctrines

Military doctrine is defined as the expression of how military forces contribute to


campaigns, major operations, battles, and engagements. It is the building material for
strategy. It is fundamental to sound judgement. Military doctrine is what we believe
about the best way to conduct military affairs.” In a pithier manner, “It is belief in the best
way to fight.” Strategy and doctrine interact, and are also influenced by common factors.

The development of Doctrines came about to provide a conceptual framework


which is timely and relevant to the current PAF operating environment. PAF Doctrines
are crafted to bind all the elements of airpower which enable every Unit of the PAF to
standardize operations, and facilitate readiness by establishing common ways of
accomplishing military tasks which is greatly influenced by the creation of Air Power
Structure.

The Air Power Structure provides a visual representation of a coherent and


organized hierarchy of all elements of Air Power. These elements are comprised of
Campaigns, Air roles, Tasks, Sustainment roles, and Operation which are basically the
fundamental components of airpower. The structure and organization of these elements
are integrated and work in synergy through a cooperative, collaborative and coordinated
environment. This factor encompasses the relationship present in the hierarchy. Thus,
the structure establishes a framework that provides fundamental principles, operations
and guidance as the basis in crafting PAF Doctrines.

C4I: The Heart of Air Power Structure

The C4I provides fundamental principles, operations and guidance to assist all
PAF personnel in the planning, employment and assessment of Operations. It
discusses military operations in and through cyberspace. Moreover, it establishes a
framework for the execution of cyberspace forces and capabilities.
The Command & Control, Communication and Computer or Cyberspace and
Intelligence (Information) or C4I System plays an important role in the air power
structure hence considered as the heart of the air power structure since it provides vital
and critical support to the assets and components in the projection of Air Power.  The
integration of computer systems and specially automated C4I systems has been
essential effort in joint military operations. Variety of systems designed for different
military services require a new layer for data and functional collaboration. This process
possesses characteristics of distributed and federation systems, which in C4I
concentrates on datastore subsystem containing all processing data used in planning
the joint military operations.

Just like other systems, Cyberspace Operations encompasses all the


components (air strategy, campaign, operations, air and sustainment roles and tasks) of
air power. Hence, Cyberspace Operations concept and goals includes integration of
cyberspace capabilities and other domain (air, land and sea) and capabilities across the
full range of military operations.

Air Power Structure and the PAF current operating environment

The operational environment is commonly believed to be the place where the


military fights. The current operational environment of the PAF is a composite of
conditions, circumstances, and influences which affects the employment of its
capabilities. The Air Power Structure used by the PAF is still suitable in dealing with this
VUCA operational environment faced by the organization as a modernizing air force.
References

PAF Website

PAF Air Power Manual

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