AIR FORCE DOCTRINE

SMART BOOK

1 August 2022
 Introduction
This Doctrine Smart Book is a collection of Air Force operational
doctrine summaries prepared by the LeMay Center for Doctrine
Development and Education at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
These summaries reflect currently approved doctrine and emerging
doctrine. Please note the current as of date, when using this document.
The source publications at www.doctrine.af.mil take precedence.
Part one of the Doctrine Smart Book provides a visual representation of
the Air Force’s capstone and operational doctrinal hierarchy. Part two of
the Doctrine Smart Book consists of one-page synopses of each current
approved Air Force doctrine publication (AFDP) and its relationship to
Joint Publication (JP). The Air Force’s capstone doctrine publication,
AFDP 1, The Air Force, is signed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Operational doctrine is signed by the LeMay Center Commander.
Each synopsis contains basic characteristics, fundamentals, terms, and
ideas as they are discussed in each publication. The principal audience
for the Doctrine Smart Book is all readers of doctrine—military, civilian,
and contractor.
The preparing agency is the Directorate for Doctrine Development,
LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education. Email
questions, comments, and recommendations to usafdoctrine@us.af.mil.
 Air Force Doctrine
Smart Book
Table of Contents

Introduction……………..…………………………………………………………..… 1
Doctrine Hierarchy………………………………………………………………….… 4
AFDP 1, The Air Force……………………………………………………………….. 5
AFDP 2-0, Globally Integrated ISR Operations……………………………………. 6
AFDP 3-0, Operations and Planning……………………………………………….. 7
AFDP 3-01, Counterair Operations…………………………………………………. 8
AFDP 3-2, Irregular Warfare…………………………………………………………. 9
AFDP 3-03, Counterland Operations……………………………………………….. 10
AFDP 3-04, Countersea Operations………………………………………………... 11
AFDP 3-05, Special Operations…………………………………………………….. 12
AFDP 3-10, Force Protection………………………………………………………... 13
AFDP 3-12, Cyberspace Operations……………………………………………….. 14
AFDP 3-13, Operations in the Information Environment…..……………………... 15
AFDP 3-14, Counterspace Operations……………………………………………... 16
AFDP 3-22, Foreign Internal Defense……………………………………………… 17
AFDP 3-27, Homeland Operations…………………………………………………. 18
AFDP 3-30, Command and Control………………………………………………… 19
AFDP 3-34, Engineer Operations…………………………………………………… 20
AFDP 3-36, Air Mobility Operations………………………………………………… 21
AFDP 3-40, Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations ……………….. 22
AFDP 3-50, Personnel Recovery…………………………………………………… 23
AFDP 3-51, Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations………………………………. 24
AFDP 3-52, Airspace Control………………………………………………………... 25
AFDP 3-59, Weather Operations……………………………………………………. 26
AFDP 3-60, Targeting………………………………………………………………… 27
AFDP 3-61, Public Affairs……………………………………………………………. 28
AFDP 3-70, Strategic Attack………………………………………………………… 29
AFDP 3-72, Nuclear Operations…………………………………………………….. 30
AFDP 3-84, Legal Support…………………………………………………………… 31
AFDP 3-99, Joint All Domain Operations…………………………………………... 32
AFDP 4-0, Combat Support…………………………………………………………. 33
AFDP 4-02, Health Services………………………………………………………… 34
AFDN 1-21, Agile Combat Employment……………………………………………. 35
Air Force Tactics Techniques, & Procedures………………….…………………... 36

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 Air Force Doctrine
Hierarchy and Ties to Joint Doctrine
AFDP 1
The Air Force
Capstone Doctrine

AFDP 4-0
AFDP 2-0 AFDP 4-02
JP 2-0 JP 4-0 Combat JP 4-02
Intelligence Health Services
Support

AFDP 3-0 AFDP 3-01 AFDP 3-03 AFDP 3-04

JP 3-0
Operations & JP 3-01 Counterair Counterland Countersea
JP 5-0
Planning Operations Operations Operations

AFDP 3-05 AFDP 3-2 AFDP 3-10 AFDP 3-12

JP 3-05 Special Irregular JP 3-10 Force JP 3-12 Cyberspace
Operations Warfare Protection Operations

AFDP 3-13
JP 3-13 AFDP 3-22
Operations in AFDP 3-14 AFDP 3-27
JP 3-13.2 Foreign
the JP 3-14 Counterspace JP 3-22 JP 3-27 Homeland
JP 3-13.3 Internal
Information Operations Operations
JP 3-13.4 Defense
Environment

AFDP 3-30 AFDP 3-34 AFDP 3-36 AFDP 3-40

JP 3-40
JP 3-30 Command & JP 3-34 Engineer JP 3-36 Air Mobility Counter-WMD
Control
JP 3-41
Operations Operations Operations

AFDP 3-50 AFDP 3-51 AFDP 3-52 AFDP 3-59

JP 3-50 Personnel JP 3-85 EW & EMS JP 3-52 Airspace JP 3-59 Weather
Recovery Operations Control Operations

AFDP 3-72
AFDP 3-60 AFDP 3-61 AFDP 3-70
JP 3-60 JP 3-61 Nuclear
Targeting Public Affairs Strategic Attack
Operations

Operational Doctrine JP 3-84

AFDP 3-84
Legal Support
AFDP 3-99
Joint All-

Operational Doctrine
Domain Ops

AFDN 1-21
Agile Combat

Emerging Doctrine
Employment
 Air Force Doctrine Publication 1
The Air Force
Airpower
Airpower is the ability to project military power through control and exploitation in,
from, and through the air.
Airmen support Joint All-Domain Operations by conducting operations
principally in, from, and through the:
 Air
 Information Environment
 Electromagnetic Spectrum
AFDP 1
forms the basis of Airman’s Perspective
Air Force Service  Control of the air is a necessary precondition for control of the surface.
culture. This  Airpower creates effects at the strategic level of war.
publication  Airpower exploits the principles of mass and maneuver simultaneously.
 Airpower applies force against many facets of enemy power.
articulates the Air  Airpower is not bound by geographical operating areas, it creates effects
Force’s perspective throughout a theater.
of warfare and  Airpower’s attributes combine to make it one of the most versatile components of
airpower across the military power.
competition  The choice of appropriate capabilities is a key aspect in the realization of airpower.
 Airpower is a critical component of operations in the information environment.
continuum.
 Airpower provides more than lethal effects.
 Airpower requires protection and sustainment to enable air operations and requires
AFDP 1 addresses effective integration of capabilities, people, weapons, bases, logistics, and
why we fight, who supporting infrastructure.
we are, what we do,  Airpower’s unique attributes necessitate it be centrally controlled by an Airman.
and how we do it. Tenets of Airpower
 Mission Command
This publication also  Flexibility and versatility
contains the Air  Synergistic effects
Force Chief of  Persistence
Staff’s perspective  Concentration
 Priority
on doctrine.  Balance
Mission Command
The principal
audience for The Airman’s philosophy for the command and control of airpower is mission
AFDP 1 is all command. Mission command is an approach to command and control that empowers
subordinate decision-making for flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness in the
members of the accomplishment of commander’s intent. Mission command provides Airmen operating
profession of arms in environments of increasing uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change with the
of the United States freedom of action needed to exploit emergent opportunities and succeed. Airmen
Air Force. execute mission command through centralized command, distributed control, and
decentralized execution.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 2-0
Globally Integrated ISR Operations
Tenets of Intelligence
Intelligence should be relevant, accurate, timely, accessible, and secure. To
ensure relevancy, intelligence products should address the commander’s priority
intelligence requirements or respond to the consumer’s essential elements of
information.
Intelligence enables decision advantage for the joint and coalition warfighter
through five integrated capabilities:

AFDP 2-0  Battlespace characterization. Understand and predict adversary capabilities;

tactics, techniques and procedures; threat dispositions; centers of gravity; and
describes the key courses of actions within the context of the operating environment to provide
aspects of indications and warning, identify potential vulnerabilities to our forces, and identify
intelligence opportunities to achieve combat objectives.
operations and  Collection operations. Command and control and synchronization of ISR
support to air sensors, platforms, and exploitation resources to find, fix, track, and characterize
adversary activities and infrastructure as well as the operating environment.
operations.
 Targeting. Selecting and prioritizing targets and matching appropriate actions to
those targets to create specific desired effects that achieve objectives, taking
Air Force account of operational requirements and capabilities. Targeting can be deliberate
intelligence enables (pre-planned) or dynamic (time-sensitive).
commanders and  Intelligence mission data. Ability to derive, produce, and rapidly update the
decision-makers at intelligence used for programming platform mission systems in development,
testing, operations, and sustainment including, but not limited to, the following
all levels to make functional areas: signatures, electronic warfare integrated reprogramming, order of
informed and timely battle, characteristics and performance, and geospatial intelligence.
decisions to meet  Intelligence Support to Acquisition. Impact short- and long-term weapons
requirements, system design through future threat projections and capture intelligence sensitivity
achieve objectives, of a particular development program. Programs should be analyzed for intelligence
sensitivity to determine if they require intelligence data during development or
and enhance
mission performance, or require the direct support of intelligence personnel or
decision advantage. influence intelligence data in the planning and direction, collection, processing and
exploitation, analysis and production, and dissemination cycle.
The principal Intelligence Disciplines
audiences for
 GEOINT - Geospatial intelligence
AFDP 2-0 are the
 IMINT - Imagery intelligence
Air Component  CI - Counterintelligence
Commander, all  HUMINT - Human intelligence
personnel engaged  SIGINT – Signals intelligence
in intelligence  COMINT – Communications intelligence
operations,  ELINT – Electronic intelligence
 FISINT - Foreign Instrumentation Signature intelligence
operations  MASINT - Measurement and signature intelligence
commanders, and  OSINT – Open-source intelligence
intelligence  TECHINT – Technical intelligence
consumers.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-0
Operations and Planning
Strategy
Strategy is a means through which commanders relate strategic ends to the ways,
means, and risk entailed in achieving those ends. Commanders at all levels should
understand the ends assigned by national leaders and joint force commanders.
Airpower is used in a joint all-domain operational environment across the
competition continuum, through the full range of Air Force operations:
 Processes for employing airpower share a common framework, whether conducting
steady-state, peacetime operations (such as deterrence and security cooperation) or
AFDP 3-0 large-scale contingencies (such as major combat operations).
is the Air Force’s  Although the objectives and time frames may differ, design, planning, execution, and
foundational assessment are accomplished in all types of operations.
doctrine for planning  Airpower, along with other forms of military power, are employed to achieve national
political and military objectives by assuring allies and partners or deterring, coercing,
and conducting
or compelling an enemy using force with denial, paralysis, risk, punishment, and
operations. annihilation strategies.
Effects-based Approach to Operations
AFDP 3-0
articulates how the  An approach in which operations are planned, executed, assessed, and adapted to
influence or change systems or capabilities to achieve desired outcomes.
Air Force uses an
 Operations should not be defined by the tasks forces made available can or typically
effects-based perform. Rather, operations should be conducted along clear, logical lines that
approach to directly connect desired ends (objective and end state) with the effects created to
operations to achieve them. This approach places the objective at the forefront, considering
integrate all aspects desired effects next, turning last to capabilities required.
of its design,  All parties in war are interactively complex systems—planning does not yield easily
predicted, checklist “solutions”—military success ultimately relies on the judgment,
planning, execution, will, insight, and moral courage of all participants, especially commanders.
and assessment  Assigned tasks lead to actions. Actions create effects. Effects may be intended,
processes. some not; some direct, most indirect. In turn, effects achieve objectives.
 Analysis of likely unintended and indirect effects is crucial to proper planning.
The principal Joint force and air component level contingency planning process:
audience for  Initiation
AFDP 3-0 is all  Mission analysis
members of the  Course of action development
profession of arms  Course of action analysis and wargaming
in the United States  Course of action comparison
 Course of action approval
Air Force.
 Plan and order development
Contingency Planning
Execution during contingencies takes place via the tasking cycle—very similar to the
targeting cycle (see AFDP 3-60, Targeting). At the air component level, this process is
called the joint planning process for air and is used to create the joint air operations
plan. Assessment should be planned for and conducted during and after operations.
Assessment should answer two crucial questions: are we doing things right (measures
of performance) and are we doing the right things (measures of effectiveness)?

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-01
Counterair Operations
Counterair Operations
The integration of offensive and defensive operations to attain and maintain a desired
degree of control of the air and of protection by neutralizing or destroying enemy
aircraft and missiles, along with threats to air operations from other domains.
Counterair operations consist of:
 Offensive operations
 Defensive operations
 Flexibility to switch from offensive to defensive counterair
AFDP 3-01  Neutralizing enemy aircraft and missiles that threaten air operations
provides guidance Command and Control Roles
on how to effectively
 Comand and control is required to exchange information rapidly between Service
organize and
components and multinational partners.
employ counterair  Mission command is vital for effective counterair operations allowing Airmen at the
capabilities against tactical level to execute the mission.
peer and near-peer  Air component commander recommends the proper employment of air component
competitors. forces to the joint force commander.
 Airspace control authority is responsible for coordinating use of airspace.
 Air operations center is the senior element of the theater air control system.
Control of the air
provides the joint Planning and Execution Considerations
force with freedom  Capabilities of all DOD supporting assets
of action while  Joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment
reducing  Offensive counterair requirements
 Defensive counterair requirements
vulnerability to  Air refueling requirements
enemy air and  Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements
missile attacks.
Counterair Assessment

The principal Assessment applies as much to the conduct of counterair operations as to any other
air, space, or cyberspace function. Measuring effects in the counterair fight may seem
audiences for daunting. However, the purpose of counterair operations provides some guidance:
AFDP 3-01 are the counterair is conducted to ensure freedom to maneuver, freedom to attack, and
air component freedom from attack. Counterair operations can be assessed collectively through the
commander and all degree of freedom achieved in each respect. Were friendly forces free to move or
personnel engaged impeded; to what degree? Were friendly forces free to attack; to what degree? Were
friendly forces attacked by enemy air or missile threats, or impeded by the threat
in counterair
thereof?
operations.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-2
Irregular Warfare
Irregular Warfare
Irregular warfare is characterized as a violent struggle among state and non-state
actors for legitimacy and influence over a relevant population.
Successful irregular warfare depends on the US’s ability to integrate all the national
instruments of power in persistent and sustained campaigns with a clear strategic
purpose and policy to support it. Irregular warfare is conducted by the joint force using
the whole of government approach to achieve US Government and partner nation
objectives.
AFDP 3-2 Irregular warfare operations supported by Airmen:
defines the Air
 Counterinsurgency
Force’s approach to  Counterterrorism
conducting Irregular  Foreign internal defense
Warfare.  Unconventional warfare

AFDP 3-2 Traditional and Irregular Warfare

articulates the Conventional forces lead, facilitate, and participate in irregular warfare activities along
fundamentals of with special operation forces. Irregular warfare and traditional warfare can be applied
irregular warfare together to accomplish US objectives in all areas of the competition continuum. This
publication describes what irregular warfare is and how it differs from traditional
operations, warfare. For example:
activities,  Traditional warfare regards the population as peripheral to the conflict and
relationships, and focuses on coercing an adversary’s key political leaders or on defeating an
Air Force support. adversary’s military capability.
 Irregular warfare considers the population as central and focuses primarily on
gaining legitimacy and influence over that population.
The principal
audiences for Indirect Irregular Warfare
AFDP 3-2 are the air Indirect irregular warfare activities may include Department of State funded activities
component administered by the DOD in close cooperation and coordination with other
commander, special government agencies. Irregular warfare indirect activities:
 Security cooperation
operations forces,
 Stability activities
and those who are  Military engagements
assigned to irregular  Aviation development
warfare duties under  Partnerships
an air component  Training and advising
 Force presence
commander.
Adversary Perspective
State adversaries and their proxies increasingly seek to prevail by employing irregular
warfare to achieve objectives in the competitive space deliberately below the
threshold likely to provoke a US conventional response. The US can counter by
conducting irregular warfare to achieve US and partner nation objectives using all the
instruments of national power. The US engages with partner nations in various
activities to support a nation’s legitimacy and help develop internal defense and
development strategies.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-03
Counterland Operations
Counterland Operations
Counterland operations are airpower operations against enemy land force capabilities
to create effects that achieve joint force commander objectives.
Counterland operations are applicable across the competition continuum; they apply
to both large-scale combat operations and stability operations characterized by
insurgency, guerrilla tactics, and civil strife. Counterland operations against a modern,
highly mechanized army differ from operations conducted in an asymmetric
environment against irregular forces. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the nature
AFDP 3-03 of the conflict to properly apply airpower during counterland operations.
presents the Air Airman’s Perspective
Force’s doctrine for  Counterland is constantly evolving due to the operational environment.
counterland  New concepts emerge based on our adversaries’ capabilities and objectives.
operations.  Operations are led by the air component commander.
 Operations are a form of maneuver warfare to destroy enemy targets.
AFDP 3-03  Operations are not specifically tied to a particular aircraft or weapons system.
 Missions are either scheduled or on-call.
articulates the Air
Force’s role in Role of Counterland Operations
operations against  Counterland operations are a form of maneuver warfare that seek to destroy an
enemy land forces enemy’s fighting ability through focused attacks against key enemy targets.
and breaks down  Counterland operations can support and facilitate maneuver warfare on land.
the types of air Airmen support counterland operations primarily through:
interdiction and  Air interdiction (air action to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy enemy forces before
close air support. they can be used against friendly forces).
 Close air support (air action in close proximity to friendly forces requiring detailed
The principal integration).
audiences for Basic planning considerations:
AFDP 3-03 are the  Munitions requirements
air component  Air refueling requirements
commander and  Target development
those personnel  Urban considerations
 Weaponeering and allocation requirements
engaged in
 Battlespace geometry or boundaries
counterland
operations. Types of terminal attack control for close air support:
 Joint terminal attack controllers
 Forward air controller (airborne)
 Terminal attack control
 Special tactics team
 Joint fires observer
 Theater air control system

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-04
Countersea Operations
Countersea Operations
Countersea operations are operations conducted to attain and maintain a desired
degree of maritime superiority by the destruction, disruption, delay, diversion, or other
neutralization of threats in the maritime environment.
Maritime Domain
The maritime domain includes the oceans, seas, bays, estuaries, islands, coastal
areas, and the airspace above these, including the littorals. Airpower provides a rapid,
maneuverable, and flexible element in this environment. Air Force capabilities can
AFDP 3-04 extend the reach and increase the flexibility of naval surface, subsurface, and aviation
articulates the Air assets, playing a key role in controlling the maritime domain; particularly in a
Force’s operations contested peer or near-peer conflict. Air Force and Navy capabilities synergistically
in the maritime employed enable the joint force to control the maritime domain.
domain to achieve,
Conducted independently, or in conjunction with other military operations,
or aid in the countersea operations may be used for the following purposes:
achievement of,
 At the initial phase of a campaign or major operation where the objective is to
superiority in that establish a military lodgment to support subsequent phases.
medium.  Supporting operation during a campaign to deny use of an area or facilities to the
enemy, or to fix enemy forces’ attention in support of other combat operations.
The principal  Support stability operations to deter war, resolve conflict, promote peace and
audiences for stability, or support civil authorities in response to crises that require controlling the
surrounding maritime domain.
AFDP 3-04 are the
 Support military operations for homeland defense by controlling use of the
air component maritime domain along US coastal waters to prevent enemies from attacking
commander and civilian population centers, disrupting sea lines of communication, or committing
those personnel terrorism on US sovereign soil.
engaged in  As an independent operation without other Service forces present, to achieve
countersea operational or strategic objectives in the maritime domain.
operations. Air operations in maritime surface warfare:
Encompasses the following missions that break down the concept formerly known as
maritime air support:
 War-at-sea strike
 Armed reconnaissance
 Air interdiction
 Strike coordination and reconnaissance
 Counter-fast attack craft/inshore attack craft
Amphibious Operations
With increased maritime operations in the vicinity of the shoreline (the littoral), Air
Force forces conducting countersea operations should be prepared to be part of
amphibious operations. Operations in the amphibious objective area are particularly
risky due to the high density and close proximity of friendly forces attempting to
achieve initial lodgment, with their variety of supporting fires. Command and Control
for Close Air Support in an amphibious operation is significantly different from
traditional Air Force or Army Close Air Support over land. Planning and coordination
require familiarity with maritime terminology and command and control arrangements.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-05
Special Operations
Special Operations
Special operations require unique modes of employment; tactics, techniques, and
procedures; equipment; and training, and often occur in hostile, denied, or politically
sensitive environments. They are often time-sensitive, clandestine, low-visibility,
conducted with or through indigenous forces, and involve a high degree of risk.
Special operations are not a substitute for conventional forces.
Air Force special operations are composed of:
 Aviation units
AFDP 3-05  Special tactics personnel
presents the Air  Special reconnaissance teams
Force’s role in  Dedicated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance units
special operations.  Precision strike
 Specialized air mobility aviation
 Aviation foreign internal defense units and support capabilities
AFDP 3-05
articulates the roles, Special operations forces core activities include:
principles,  Direct action
capabilities, and  Special reconnaissance
organization of Air  Counter-weapons of mass destruction
 Counterterrorism
Force special
 Unconventional warfare
operations forces’  Foreign internal defense
assets.  Security force assistance
 Hostage rescue and recovery
The principal  Counterinsurgency
audiences for  Foreign humanitarian assistance
 Military information support operations
AFDP 3-05 are the  Civil affairs operations
air component
Principles that guide special operations forces:
commander, those
involved with special  Orient campaigns on US interests.
operations missions  Conduct integrated campaigning actions on a global scale and over time.
 Exploitation of asymmetries and leverage of indirect approaches.
in either a direct or  Employment of unorthodox methods.
supporting role, and
Air Force Special Operations Forces Combat Support
those who have
special operations Combat support is provided by Air Force Special Operations Command’s agile
units under their combat support core mission. These capabilities include special operations forces
and security force protection; civil engineering support including chemical, biological,
command. radiological, and nuclear operations; aircraft maintenance/generation; ground
refueling; and medical operations. Since Air Force special operations forces have
little organic base defense capability, they depend almost exclusively upon
conventional Air Force units or other Service support for threat defense.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-10
Force Protection
Due to the increased lethality of international and domestic threats, it is imperative the
Air Force, as part of a coordinated and integrated joint force, take strong measures to
protect personnel and installations around the world. How the Air Force protects
forces is critical to global engagement.
Force Protection
Force protection consists of preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions
against DOD personnel (including military dependents), resources, facilities, and
critical information. Force protection is a fundamental principle of all military
AFDP 3-10 operations as a way to ensure the survivability of a commander’s forces.
constitutes the Air Force Protection Fundamentals
Force’s approach to  Effective force protection is more than just a law enforcement function.
force protection.  Every Airman is a sensor, and protecting the force is everyone’s duty.
 It is multi-dimensional, providing multi-layered protection of forces and resources.
AFDP 3-10  Force protection requires a global orientation.
articulates how the  Force protection is both an individual and a command responsibility.
Air Force protects Command Responsibilities for Force Protection
forces, which is  Force protection is not exclusively a Service responsibility. According to both the
critical to global Unified Command Plan and Joint Publication 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of
engagement. the United States, combatant commanders have the overall requirement to
establish and implement force protection in their areas of responsibility.
 Commanders retain ultimate responsibility for protecting people and property
The principal
subject to their control and have the authority to enforce security measures.
audiences for  Force protection fundamentals are applied in many different operational
AFDP 3-10 are the environments and organization command structures. In the course of planning,
air component commanders should maintain an awareness of legal constraints that may affect
commander and all operations.
personnel in an  Air Force personnel, aircraft, satellites, equipment, installations, operating
locations, and, by extension, the Air Force mission are vulnerable to a wide variety
operational area. of threats. This potentially daunting prospect demands force protection awareness
and education at all levels and effective measures that are implemented through a
coherent and coordinated command structure.
 A focus on safety and risk management ensures maximum protection of people
and physical resources and may be critical to warfighting success.
 Tailored force protection intelligence is fundamental to the prosecution of an
effective program and is a mission set used to identify intelligence support to force
protection.
Force Protection Lines of Effort
Force protection is achieved through the successful execution of three related, but
distinct, lines of effort: integrated defense, emergency management, and the critical
infrastructure program.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-12
Cyberspace Operations
Cyberspace
Cyberspace is a global domain within the information environment consisting of the
interdependent networks of information technology infrastructures and resident data,
including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and
embedded processors and controllers.
Cyberspace Domain
The cyberspace domain is a primary conduit for transactions vital to every facet of
modern life. To assist in the planning and execution of cyberspace operations,
AFDP 3-12
cyberspace can be described in terms of three interrelated layers: the physical network
constitutes the Air (devices, infrastructure), the logical network (data, software, networks), and the cyber-
Force’s approach to persona (digital identity, user accounts).
cyberspace support Cyberspace Operations
for Air Force, joint,
Cyberspace operations are the employment of military capabilities where the primary
and multinational
purpose is to achieve combatant commander objectives in or through cyberspace.
operations.
Command and Control of Cyberspace Operations
AFDP 3-12 16 Air Force Commander has multiple roles and authorities, including cyber air
articulates the component commander, the sole entity responsible for presenting Air Force
cyberspace forces to US Cyber Command.
fundamentals,
effects, functions, Cyberspace Operations Framework
and presentation of  Offensive cyberspace operations project power in and through cyberspace.
cyberspace  Defensive cyberspace operations preserve the ability to use blue cyberspace
operations forces. capabilities and protect data, networks, cyberspace-enabled devices, and other
designated systems by defeating malicious cyberspace activity.
 DOD Information Network operations secure, configure, operate, extend, maintain,
The principle and sustain cyberspace to create and preserve the confidentiality, availability, and
audiences for integrity of the DOD Information Network .
AFDP 3-12 are the
air component
commander, those
charged with
command and
control duties, and
those whose
operational
environment
requires an
understanding of
cyberspace
operations.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-13
Operations in the Information Environment
Information Environment
The information environment is the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems
that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. It is comprised of the physical,
informational, and cognitive dimensions. Operations in the information environment
primarily focus on affecting the cognitive dimension, where human decision making
occurs, through the physical and information dimensions.
Operations in the Information Environment
The sequence of actions that use information to inform audiences; influence external
AFDP 3-13
relevant actors; attack, exploit, and deny relevant actor information, information
describes the Air networks, and information systems; and protect friendly information, information
Force’s construct to networks, and information systems.
leverage the Relevant Actors
information joint
Individuals, groups, and populations, or automated systems, the behavior of which has
function in support
the potential to substantially help or hinder the success of a campaign, operation, or
of friendly objectives tactical action.
and desired end
Information-related Capabilities
states.
 Information-related capabilities are tools, techniques, or activities employed within the
information environment to create effects and operationally desirable conditions.
AFDP 3-13
 Department of the Air Force employs the following information-related capabilities:
articulates the civil-military affairs operations, counterintelligence, cyberspace operations,
fundamentals, electromagnetic spectrum operations, military information support operations,
effects, functions, information operations, military deception operations, operations security, public
and presentation of affairs, special technical operations, space operations, and weather operations.
Air Force Planning, coordination, execution, and assessment of cyberspace operations:
information-related  When directed, the Air Force presents operations in the information environment
capabilities to planners and information forces to combatant commanders to meet national and
support operations theater-level taskings. Operations in the information environment planners:
in the information  Use an effects-based approach to operations to integrate the employment of
environment. specialized capabilities, create a desired set of effects, and achieve military
objectives.
 Reside within the air operations center and coordinate across all divisions,
The principal counterpart higher headquarters operations in the information environment
audiences for elements, other commands, components, and task forces to:
AFDP 3-13 are the  Request information related capabilities forces and operations in the
air component information environment support.
 Provide operations in the information environment input on strategic,
commander, those
campaign, and operational-level planning documents and products.
charged with  Coordinate themes, messages, and actions, approvals, tasking orders
command and (e.g., air, space, or cyber tasking order), and targeting lists.
control duties, and  Develop assessment criteria.
Airmen involved in  Air component commander is normally responsible for assessing the results of
or supporting operations in the information environment where outcomes, especially second- and
third-order effects, may not manifest themselves until well after actions have
military operations. concluded.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-14
Counterspace Operations
Counterspace
Counterspace integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and maintain
the desired level of control and protection in and through space.
Space superiority
Space superiority is the degree of control in space of one force over any others that
permits the conduct of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive
interference from terrestrial or space-based threats. Like air superiority, space
superiority should be considered one of the earliest priorities for the joint force.
AFDP 3-14
Defensive Counterspace Operations
articulates the
imperative for Defensive counterspace operations protect friendly space capabilities from attack,
interference, and unintentional hazards, to preserve US and friendly ability to exploit
achieving space
space for military advantage.
superiority.
 Threats include terrestrial attack, directed energy, anti-satellite weapons, offensive
cyberspace operations, environment, weather, and debris.
The primary focus of  Active space defense consists of direct actions taken to negate or mitigate the
AFDP 3-14 effectiveness of threats against friendly space forces, assets, and capabilities
is counterspace through direct action. These actions include movement and maneuver, system
operations, although configuration changes, and suppression.
all space capabilities  Passive defenses enhance the survivability of space systems by providing a
layered defense to ensure space systems continue to operate both during and
are included to
after attack. These survivability measures include the use of camouflage,
describe their concealment, and deception; system hardening; and cybersecurity.
interdependencies
Offensive Counterspace Operations
with the
counterspace Offensive counterspace operations are undertaken to negate an adversary’s use of
space capabilities, reducing the effectiveness of adversary forces in all domains.
mission.
These operations target an adversary’s space capabilities (space, link, and ground
The principal segments, or services provided by third parties). Operations include reversible and
irreversible means to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, and destroy adversarial space
audiences for capabilities. By negating enemy counterspace capabilities before they are used
AFDP 3-14 against friendly forces, successful offensive counterspace operations may result in
are the air greater freedom from attack, enabling increased freedom of action. Space support to
component operations enables counterspace operations. These capabilities include intelligence,
commander and surveillance and reconnaissance; launch detection; missile tracking; environmental
monitoring; satellite communications; and positioning, navigation, and timing.
those involved with
space missions in Space Coordinating Authority
either a direct or Space coordinating authority is the authority to plan, integrate, and coordinate space
supporting role. operations involving forces of two or more military departments, functional
components, or two or more components of the same Service. Space coordinating
authority can be either global or theater-specific.
The joint force commander generally delegates theater space coordinating authority.
In theaters where a space component is established, space coordinating authority is
delegated to the space component commander. In all others, theater space
coordinating authority is usually delegated to the air component commander.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-22
Foreign Internal Defense
Foreign Internal Defense
The participation by civilian agencies and military forces of a government or
international organization in any of the programs or activities undertaken by a host
nation government to free and protect its society from subversion, lawlessness,
insurgency, violent extremism, terrorism, and other threats to its security.
Foreign Internal Defense Operations
 Indirect support
 Direct support (not involving combat)
AFDP 3-22 presents  Combat operations (ensure internal security activities survivability & effectiveness)
the Air Force’s role
Air Force Philosophy on Foreign Internal Defense Actions
in foreign internal
defense operations. Most actions entail working by, with, and through foreign aviation forces, foreign law
enforcement, counterintelligence, and security agencies to achieve US strategic and
operational objectives.
AFDP 3-22
articulates the Foreign Internal Defense Challenges and Threats
strategic goals of The greatest foreign internal defense operational environment challenge is
foreign internal understanding the nature of irregular conflicts that can impact US national security
defense, and the interests and the security interests of important allies and partners. Potential foreign
internal defense threat forms:
foundational  Subversion
philosophy of the Air  Insurgency
Force’s role in  Lawlessness
foreign internal  Terrorism
defense. Airpower roles in foreign internal defense:
 Support counterinsurgency/counterterrorism operations.
The principle  Conduct air mobility operations.
audiences for  Conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
AFDP 3-34  Command and control which limits collateral damage.
are the air  Ensure stability and security of the civilian populace.
component Strategy to Task Foreign Internal Defense Planning and Employment
commander, those Basic functions of internal defense and development strategy include:
involved in the  Develop balanced social, economic, and political institutions
planning and  Mobilize manpower and material
execution of foreign  Secure the population and natural resources
 Neutralize hostile elements
internal defense
operations, and After threat identification and priorities are assigned, planners should consider how
those working with the host nation can employ and integrate its diplomatic, informational, military, and
host nation partners economic instruments of power to counter threats. The goal is to specify the ends
in any capacity. (desired results), ways (methods), and means (resources) to achieve national security
objectives in helping the host nation develop its internal defense and development
strategy. Air Force foreign internal defense primarily entails airpower enablement, i.e.,
helping foreign aviation forces employ, sustain, and defend their resources at
required levels of capability.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-27
Homeland Operations
Homeland Operations
For the Air Force, homeland operations is the umbrella construct with which it
supports homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities. It incorporates all
operations planning and execution designed to detect, preempt, respond to, mitigate,
and recover from the full spectrum of incidents and threats to the homeland, whether
manmade or natural. Air Force homeland defense operations:
 Involve significant counterair emphasis.
 Include emergency preparedness as an integral subset mission of both homeland
defense and defense support of civil authorities.
AFDP 3-27
comprises the Air Defense Support of Civil Authorities
Force’s role in both Defense support of civil authorities, often referred to as civil support, is defined as
homeland defense support provided in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities, for
and defense support domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or
from qualifying entities for special events.
of civil authorities.
Homeland Security Relationships
AFDP 3-27
The multitude of commands operating within the US drives the need to deconflict
articulates the roles, responsibilities, and missions. Unity of command ensures concentration of
relationships with effort for every objective under one responsible commander. Unity of effort is critical
external during interagency operations and can best be achieved through consensus building.
organizations, and Combatant commanders with designated areas of responsibility support homeland
outlines the defense through a layered defense construct (in the forward areas, the approaches,
and the homeland itself).
command
relationships under Homeland Operations Planning and Support
homeland  Defense of the homeland is not entirely unique and should primarily follow
operations. established warfighting doctrine. However, the command structure for homeland
operations is more complex than in most areas of responsibility.
 In providing defense support of civil authorities, Air Force forces support federal,
The principal
state, or local civil authorities in cases of natural or manmade domestic
audiences for emergencies, civil disturbances, or authorized law enforcement activities. Planning
AFDP 3-27 are the for and responding to these events should be a Total Force effort.
air component Legal Status & Authority Considerations
commander and
Airmen (regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Air Force
those forces
Auxiliary) accomplish homeland defense and provide support to civil authorities under
charged with multiple laws and authorities. The authorities are derived from law and statutes which
homeland defense may enable or restrict Airmen’s actions. Within the homeland, Air Force forces may
and defense support operate in different legal statuses (Title 10, Title 32, Title 50, etc.).
of civil authorities Regardless of the status the forces are in, there should be clarity of the chain of
duties. command to support unity of effort. There are specific federal laws affecting Air Force
personnel and operations on the homeland. The Posse Comitatus Act and the
Enforcement of the Laws to Restore Public Order Act (formerly the Insurrection Act)
place limitations on Air Force forces; all Air Force personnel, regardless of status,
should be aware of this information.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-30
Command and Control
Successful command and control of Air Force operations begins with the commander.
Joint forces are a mixture of Service component commanders assigned or allocated
to the joint force commander (e.g., the commander, Air Force forces) and functional
component commanders designated by the joint force commander (e.g., joint force air
component commander).
Command Roles
The joint force commander designates the commander, Air Force forces as a joint
force air component commander to establish unity of command and effort for joint air
AFDP 3-30 operations. The commander, Air Force forces:
presents the Air  Should normally be designated at a command level above the operating forces
Force’s approach to  Should not be dual-hatted as commander of a subordinate operating unit.
structuring the
The air component commander, as commander, Air Force forces holds both
command and administrative and operational control authority over Air Force forces and, as joint
control aspects of force air component commander, tactical control over other joint air forces made
airpower. available for tasking. The joint force air component commander:
 Should be the Service component commander with the preponderance of forces to
AFDP 3-30 be tasked and the ability to plan, task, and control joint air operations.
 Normally is designated as the area air defense commander and the airspace
articulates the control authority.
fundamentals, roles,
Air Component Staff
responsibilities, and
relationships The air component commander requires an appropriately sized and configured
required for effective command and control capability to effectively command and control the Air Force
Service component and joint air forces made available for tasking. This command
command and and control capability includes an air component staff and an air operations center.
control.
Organizing Air Force Forces
The principal  All military missions are ultimately under the authority of a joint force commander.
audiences for  The air expeditionary task force is the organizational structure for Air Force forces
to execute operational tasking when there is not an existing Air Force structure
AFDP 3-30 prepared to accept expeditionary forces.
are air component
Three models for presenting Air Force components in support of a joint force:
commander, those
charged with  Theater-level component: Establishes combatant commander level Air Force
command and component attached with specification of operational control and commanded by a
theater commander, Air Force forces who the combatant commander normally also
control duties, and designates as theater joint force air component commander.
Airmen under such  Sub-theater level: Consists of a subordinate unified command attached with
command authority. specification of operational control and includes a commander, Air Force forces
prepared to execute as a joint force air component commander over assigned and
attached joint forces.
 Sub-theater level air expeditionary task force in support of a joint task force: An air
expeditionary task force in direct support of a subordinate joint task force with
operational control retained by the theater commander, Air Force forces. The air
expeditionary task force commander is not a commander, Air Force forces or joint
force air component commander.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-34
Engineer Operations
Engineers provide a critical capability because the Air Force projects airpower from
installations and engineers build, maintain, and recover those installations. From the
beginning of military aviation in the United States to today, engineers have been
pivotal players by ensuring airfields, facilities, and infrastructure help set the
conditions for operational dominance.
Civil Engineer Truths
 Installations are power projection platforms.
 Asset management principles drive how we mitigate risk to installation health.
AFDP 3-34  Airmen engineers measure readiness first and foremost by the readiness of the
establishes the Air weapon system they support.
Force’s approach to  Total force development at home enables ready Airmen engineers to rapidly
employ forces and adapt to full-spectrum threats.
supporting airpower  Presenting agile civil engineer capabilities supports combatant commanders’
projection via and air component commanders’ projection of airpower. Installations are built by,
engineer operations maintained by, and recovered by ready Airmen engineers.
throughout the Civil Engineer Enterprise
competition
The civil engineer enterprise consists of a total force mix of regular Air Force, Air
continuum. Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilians. Air Force engineers are assigned or
attached to organizations performing installation operations support, construction
AFDP 3-34 projects, and emergency response.
articulates the Prime BEEF and RED HORSE force deployments are executed through the joint
various means the deployment system and conducted using guidance issued by Headquarters Air Force.
Air Force employs During deployments, civil engineer forces are part of an air expeditionary task force
its engineering and follow command relationships affecting all Air Force forces.
assets. Civil engineer functions key areas:
 General engineering consists of engineer capabilities and activities that provide
The principal infrastructure; modify, maintain, or protect the physical environment; and respond
audiences for rapidly to establish, sustain, and recover airbases.
AFDP 3-34  Geospatial engineering provides capabilities and activities that portray and refine
are the air data about the geographic location and characteristics of natural and constructed
features and boundaries.
component  Engineers provide installation support and services necessary to support
commander and military forces, to include activities essential for effective real property lifecycle
those involved in management and installation services.
engineering Operations Across the Competition Continuum
activities.
Focusing on engineer planning, execution, and assessment functions may require
special efforts based on the type of operation support. Engineers are active in all
phases, from shaping the theater to returning control to civil authority. Engineers
understand these differing military operations and apply critical thinking skills to
enable the mission.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-36
Air Mobility Operations
Rapid Global Mobility
Mobility Air Forces provide rapid global mobility. These forces deliver the global reach
and global military power necessary to achieve national objectives or provide support
to non-military entities.
Airman’s Perspective
Air mobility enables a joint force commander to simultaneously exploit mass,
maneuver, and surprise (flexibility), thereby influencing effects at the strategic,
operational, or tactical levels of war (versatility). Prioritization of airlift and aerial
AFDP 3-36 presents refueling requirements ensures effective use of limited air mobility forces. Aerial
the Air Force’s refueling significantly expands the force options available to a commander by
perspective on air increasing the range, payload, persistence, and flexibility of other aircraft. Success of
mobility operations, air mobility operations depends on the total force integration of regular and reserve
airlift, forces, and the efforts of Air Force civilians and civilian air transportation partners.
air refueling, Mobility air operations core functions:
air mobility support,  Airlift conducts several basic operations: passenger and cargo movement
contingency including operational support aircraft, combat employment and sustainment,
response, and aeromedical evacuation, nuclear airlift, and special operations support. Payloads
aeromedical are delivered via two methods: airland or airdrop.
 Air Refueling supports nuclear operations, global strike, airbridge operations,
evacuation.
aircraft deployment, theater combat air, special operations, and joint and
multinational operations. Deployment, employment, sustainment, and
AFDP 3-36 redeployment of forces are applicable to contingency operations. Aerial refueling
articulates the Air serves as a force enabler and multiplier at the tactical, operational, and strategic
Force’s air mobility levels of warfare. It allows rapid global reach for air assets with lessened
operations in dependence on forward operating sites. This provides joint force commanders the
ability to maneuver and mass forces to deter, dissuade, or destroy the enemy at
relation to meeting times and places where they are least prepared.
national objectives  Air Mobility Support is comprised of air mobility command and control, aerial
by proving rapid port, and air mobility maintenance. Contingency Response forces can establish
global mobility. forward contingency locations to provide a deployable mobility support capability
where none exists.
 Aeromedical Evacuation capability comprises a system of systems including
The principal
aeromedical evacuation liaison teams, crew stages, and crews; critical care air
audiences for transport teams; other specialty teams; and en route patient staging systems.
AFDP 3-36 are the These forces execute patient movement primarily on mobility Air Force aircraft, as
air component well as other Service, contracted, and international partner airframes. Aeromedical
commander, mobility evacuation forces operate as far forward as air operations occur. The system is
Air Force personnel, designed to be flexible and interface with joint, multinational, and special
operations forces.
and transportation
and logistics Airmen. Global Mobility Enterprise
Global Mobility Enterprise encompasses the entire system required to conduct and
support air mobility operations. The four components of the enterprise are Airmen,
equipment, infrastructure, and command & control.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-40
Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations
Counter-weapons of Mass Destruction Operations
Counter-weapons of mass destruction operations are part of a whole of US Government
construct; the following lines of effort are underpinned by force preparation: preventing
acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD); containing and reducing threats;
and responding to crises. Cooperation with international partners is one of the most
important activities supporting counter-weapons of mass destruction objectives and end
states. Air Force contribution is often treaty obligation surveillance and enforcement.

Weapons of mass destruction are generally considered synonymous with

AFDP 3-40 chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear capabilities and their means of
is the Air Force’s delivery:
operational-level
 Chemical weapons are substances intended for use in military operations to kill,
doctrine for seriously injure, or incapacitate mainly through physiological effects.
preventing,  Biological agents (natural or manufactured) are used to cause illness and disease in
countering, and humans, their livestock, their crops, or contamination of supplies like water.
mitigating the effects  Radiological hazards come from any radioactive source and are intended to kill,
of enemy weapons poison, or contaminate human populations or resources (think “dirty bomb”).
 Nuclear weapons derive their power from nuclear fission or fusion, but even very
of mass destruction. low-yield weapons can cause significant radioactive contamination.
 The detection, interdiction, and control of potential delivery systems, especially
AFDP 3-40 ballistic and cruise missiles for nuclear weapons, are also a vital part of counter-
articulates how the weapons of mass destruction.
Air Force US Government lines of effort are designed to support the following strategic end
commands, plans states:
for, and executes  No new weapons of mass destruction possession.
counter-weapons of  No weapons of mass destruction use.
mass destruction.  If used, minimization of weapons of mass destruction effects.
These end states are achieved by accomplishing the following priority objectives:
The principal  Reduce incentives to pursue, possess, and employ weapons of mass destruction.
audiences for  Increase barriers to weapons of mass destruction acquisition, proliferation, and use.
AFDP 3-40 are the  Manage weapons of mass destruction risks from hostile, fragile, or failed states.
air component  Deny weapons of mass destruction effects through layered, integrated defenses.
commander and End states, objectives, and strategic lines of effort are all accomplished through
Airmen desiring to the following activities Air Force forces contribute to:
understand how the  Maintain and expand technical expertise on WMD, including recruiting & training.
Air Force fits within  Cooperate with and support international partners
the whole-of-  Understand the WMD environment, threats, and vulnerabilities.
government  Control WMD threats, including recovery of lost or stolen material.
 Defeat WMD threats, including neutralizing WMD and pathways to obtaining them
counter-weapons of
through offensive action, including use of cyberspace and special operations.
mass destruction  Disable WMD and related program infrastructure.
construct.  Dispose WMD threats, related chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
materials, and program infrastructure. Often supporting land/maritime commanders.
 Safeguard the force and manage consequences, which starts with training in force
protection measures, conducting realistic exercises, and retaining expertise.

5 April 2016
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-50
Personnel Recovery
Personnel Recovery
Personnel Recovery is defined as the sum of military, diplomatic, and civil efforts to
prepare for and execute the recovery and reintegration of isolated personnel, and to
prevent, plan for, and coordinate a response to isolating events to include all US
Government departments and agencies.
Joint Personnel Recovery Center
The Joint Personnel Recovery Center is the coordination cell, or hub, of personnel
recovery command and control activities.
AFDP 3-50
presents the Air Personnel recovery system consists of:
Force’s best  Preparation. Development of policy, doctrine, equipment, education, and training
practices on through tactical, operational, theater strategic, and national strategic lenses.
 Planning. conducted using the joint planning process for air with outcomes based
personnel recovery.
upon commander’s intent; individual, component, joint, and multi-government
capabilities; the Joint Personnel Recovery Center and Joint Personnel Recovery
AFDP 3-50 Agency; intelligence, security, medical, space, weather, and information
articulates the Air operations; and mobility planning considerations.
Force’s strategy and  Execution. Reporting, locating, supporting, and the immediate, deliberate, hold,
approach to and reintegration methods used by the Air Force; and the adaptation methods
gained from the collection of personnel recovery information.
planning personnel
recovery. Combat Search and Rescue
Combat search and rescue is the Air Force’s preferred method to recover isolated
The principal personnel. Consists of three components:
audiences for  Command and control
 Recovery forces
AFDP 3-50 are the  Isolated personnel
air component
Combat search and rescue recovery forces:
commander and all
personnel involved  Are often combined into a tailored combat search and rescue task force in denied
in any part of the or contested environments.
 Are a mutually supporting package designed to protect the survivor on the ground
personnel recovery as well as the recovery force package from threats.
planning and  Consist of dedicated vertical-lift aircraft, fixed wing rescue aircraft, Guardian Angel,
execution process, rescue mission commander, rescue escort, airborne mission coordinator, and an
to include anyone on-scene commander. These are augmented by forward air controllers; aerial
who has potential to refueling assets; intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance platforms; space;
suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic warfare; and joint and coalition
become an isolated
personnel recovery forces.
person.
Education and training of potential isolated personnel:
 Specialized training is given to those at high risk of isolation to aid their survival,
evasion, and escape.
 Combatant commanders establish theater entry requirements to ensure all
personnel receive preparation measures commensurate with the assessed risk.
 Combat air forces and Air Force special operations forces complement and
support each other as required.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-51
Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations
Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations
Electromagnetic spectrum operations comprise all coordinated military actions to
exploit, attack, protect, and manage the electromagnetic spectrum environment to
achieve the commander’s objectives. These actions include spectrum management,
electronic warfare, and directed energy systems management.
 Offensive electromagnetic spectrum operations are planned, prioritized,
integrated, synchronized, and deconflicted along with all other forms of offensive
operations in all domains. Intent: disrupt deny, deceive, degrade, or destroy the
adversary’s ability to use the electromagnetic spectrum.
AFDP 3-51
 Defensive electromagnetic spectrum operations either protect joint forces from
presents the Air physical attack or defend friendly electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. They are
Force’s approach to accomplished using a layered, adaptive, defense-in-depth approach, incorporating
conducting emission control and mutually supporting elements of digital and physical protection.
electromagnetic Uninhibited access to selected portions of the electromagnetic spectrum is critical for
spectrum weapon system effectiveness and protection of critical assets. Actions include:
operations.  Electromagnetic attack uses electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or anti-
radiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment in order to degrade,
neutralize, or destroy enemy operational capability. Electromagnetic attack is a type
AFDP 3-51
of fires as well as an enabling capability.
articulates the  Electromagnetic support actions intercept, identify, and locate sources of
fundamentals of intentional and unintentional radiated electromagnetic energy. Electromagnetic
electromagnetic support information contributes to threat recognition, targeting, planning, conduct of
spectrum operations future operations, and development of countermeasures. Accurate and timely
and activities, electromagnetic support is essential for electromagnetic spectrum planning and
employment.
relationships, and  Electromagnetic Protection involves passive and active actions taken to protect
Air Force support. personnel, facilities, and equipment from electromagnetic spectrum effects from
adversary, neutral, or friendly transmissions as well guarding against naturally
occurring interference. Electromagnetic protection is incorporated into the design
The principal and acquisition of equipment.
audiences for Non-kinetic Team
AFDP 3-51 are the The electromagnetic warfare function is located in the combat operations division of the
air component air operations center. The air component commander may form a non-kinetic team to
commander and plan, manage, and assess air component electromagnetic warfare operations and
those charged with ensure effective coordination and synchronization with other joint force components.
The non-kinetic team is responsible for ensuring control, access and management of
command and
the electromagnetic spectrum .
control duties in
electromagnetic Joint Restricted Frequency List
spectrum The joint restricted frequency list is an electromagnetic spectrum coordination measure
operations. that identifies the level of protection desired for various networks and frequencies. It is
a time, frequency, and geographically oriented listing of functions, nets, and
frequencies requiring protection from friendly electromagnetic transmissions and is
limited to the minimum number of frequencies necessary for friendly forces to
accomplish joint force commander objectives.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-52
Airspace Control
Airspace Control
Airspace control is the capabilities and procedures used to increase operational
effectiveness by promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace.
Airman’s Perspective
Airmen share a joint force commander’s theater-wide focus and maintain the requisite
expertise and capabilities to control and operate in airspace across theaters,
transitioning seamlessly down to the lowest tactical level, anywhere around the globe.
AFDP 3-52 Command and Control
presents capabilities  Joint force commander is responsible for airspace control within the joint
and procedures to operations area.
increase operational  Air component commander provides Air Force theater air control system and
effectiveness by airspace control expertise and resources to the joint force commander.
 Airspace control authority is the commander designated to assume overall
promoting the safe,
responsibility for airspace control system operation in the airspace control area.
efficient, and flexible  As a guiding principle for all operations, the host nation usually retains airspace
use of airspace. control authority and uses international airspace procedures or guidelines.
 Area air defense commander plans and executes integrated air defense operations
Airspace control is a assigned to the operational area.
broad term used to Airspace control planning:
describe the Airspace control considerations should be integrated into planning to ensure joint and
activities performed combined force effectiveness. Some best practices include:
and authorities  Command and control personnel, air traffic control personnel, and airspace
executed by a wide planners should be involved from the outset in planning and executing command
range of entities, and control, air traffic control , and airspace management.
 Establishing relationships with host and key neighboring nations’ air traffic control
both civil and is critical.
military.
Airspace control execution:

The principal Airspace control procedures within an operational area are approved by the joint force
audiences for commander and are derived from the joint force commander’s authority. Properly
employed, airspace control aims to maximize the effectiveness of combat operations
AFDP 3-52 are the without unduly restricting the capabilities of any Service or functional component.
air component  Airspace control supports combatant command steady state operations, activities,
commander and and investments in cooperation and competition to discourage potential
those charged with adversaries and develop relationships with friends and allies.
command and  Integration with counterair assets, air and missile defense systems, and land
component forces are critical during combat operations.
control duties for
airspace control.

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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-59
Weather Operations
Weather
Weather is defined as the physical conditions of the terrestrial and space
environment. These conditions include any environmental factors from the surface of
the earth up to the ionosphere and outward into space. The two functions of weather
operations are: analysis and forecasting; and mission integration.
Weather operations support to air operations:
 Protecting air assets, personnel, and base infrastructure from hazardous weather.
 Maximizing aircraft performance and aircraft weapons systems effectiveness.
AFDP 3-59  Assisting during mission planning and execution.
presents the Air
Weather effects on space and cyberspace operations:
Force’s approach to
providing weather  Weather can directly impact space systems and the services they provide, such as
support to Air Force, navigation; communications; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
 Weather affects the ability to leverage the electromagnetic spectrum, leading to
joint, and impacts in the cyberspace domain.
multinational
operations. Weather personnel execute eight processes:
 Collection
AFDP 3-59  Processing
articulates the  Analysis
fundamentals,  Prediction
effects, functions,  Tailoring
 Dissemination
and presentation of  Integration
weather forces.  Mitigation
Weather Operations Presentation
The principal
audiences for Weather capabilities, when appropriate, should be integrated with those of other
Services and nations to provide coherent and structured weather operations to joint
AFDP 3-59 are the and multinational forces.
air component
Weather operations planning, execution, and assessment:
commander and
those who require Weather should be considered at the earliest stage of planning; weather personnel
an understanding of persistently monitor, assess, and report weather conditions during execution, and
evaluate products for accuracy and operational effectiveness.
weather operations.
Weather Principles
The enduring principles of weather operations are accuracy, consistency, relevancy,
and timelessness. Effective weather operations are executed through these
overarching principles, along with the functions and processes depicted in the
conceptual model of weather operations.

28 October 2020
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-60
Targeting
Targeting
Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets, matching appropriate
responses, and taking account of command objectives, operational requirements, and
capabilities to achieve joint force commander objectives. A target is an entity or object
considered for possible engagement or other action.
Targeting occurs across the competition continuum, over the full range of Air
Force operations, and at all levels of warfare:
 Targeting is one means of translating strategy into discrete actions by helping link
AFDP 3-60 ends, ways, means, and risk.
is the Air Force’s  Targeting allows commanders and planners to choose the best ways to create
operational-level desired effects, allowing them to attain objectives and other desired outcomes.
doctrine for the Targeting is effects-based and is used to affect all domains:
conduct of targeting  Effective planning for targeting starts with objectives, then considers the effects
operations including needed to achieve them, and lastly matches capabilities against targets likely to
assigned roles and achieve the effects required.
responsibilities  Air Force forces use both kinetic means (like bombs and missiles) and non-kinetic
means (like cyberspace capabilities) to create lethal and nonlethal effects.
within the joint
 Non-kinetic means and nonlethal effects can be vital for achieving end state
targeting cycle. conditions and preventing undesired indirect effects.
Targeting Categories
AFDP 3-60
articulates how the  Deliberate targeting applies when there is sufficient time to include a target in a plan
or an air tasking order as part of the air tasking and targeting cycles.
Air Force uses an
 Dynamic targeting applies to targets identified too late to be included in deliberate
effects-based targeting (usually after air tasking order production), but that meet criteria specific to
approach to identify, achieving objectives.
plan for, and engage  Dynamic targeting consists of six distinct steps (also referred to as the kill chain):
targets. find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess.
 Dynamic targeting process takes place in a much more time-limited context. The
kill chain is often used to prosecute joint force commander-designated time-
The principal sensitive targets, component-critical targets, and other targets emerging during
audiences for execution that friendly commanders deem worthy of targeting.
AFDP 3-60 are the
Air Tasking Cycle
air component
commander and any The tasking cycle differs in minor ways from the joint targeting cycle, and the two are
often conducted in parallel, especially when airpower provides the preponderance of
personnel involved targeting capability. Most deliberate targeting is done through the stages of the air
in the targeting tasking cycle:
processes.  Objectives, effects, and guidance
 Target development
 Weaponeering and allocation
 Air tasking order production and dissemination
 Execution planning and force execution
 Assessment

28 October 2020
27 https://www.doctrine.af.mil
 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-61
Public Affairs
Public Affairs
Public affairs is defined as communication activities with external and internal
audiences. Public affairs is a Department of the Air Force function and advances the
priorities and mission objectives of the US Air Force by means of integrated planning,
execution, and assessment of communication capabilities.
Tenets
 Tell the truth
 Provide timely information
AFDP 3-61  Practice security at the source
articulates how the  Provide consistent information at all levels
Air Force advances  Tell the Department of the Air Force story
Service priorities  Engage the media
and achieves  Be survivable, sustainable, and deployable
mission objectives Core Competencies
through integrated  Trusted counsel to leaders
planning, execution,  Service member morale and readiness
and assessment of  Public trust and support
communication  Global influence and deterrence
capabilities. Activities
 Public affairs functional management
The principal  Communication planning
audiences for  Security and policy review
AFDP 3-60 are the  Media operations
 Community engagement
air component
 Environmental
commander and any  Visual information
personnel involved  Band operations
in public affairs  Contingency operations and wartime readiness
processes.  Command information
Operations Integration
To provide the relevant counsel in support of operations, public affairs is fully
integrated in to the activities of the air operations center and related information
operations teams, cells, and other bodies, with the requisite and rapid access to
critical information.
Within the air operations center, the director of public affairs is the senior air
component public affairs officer in the operational area. The public affairs officer is
responsible for planning and executing public affairs operations to support and create
the effects required to accomplish the commander’s operational objectives. Public
affairs liaisons may be aligned in the strategy, combat plans, or combat operations
divisions of the air operations center to serve in a planning and deconflicting capacity.

10 September 2020
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-70
Strategic Attack
Strategic attack
Strategic attack is joint force commander-directed offensive action against a target–
whether military or other—that is selected to achieve national or military strategic
objectives. Strategic refers to the highest level of an enemy system that, if properly
affected, will contribute most directly to the achievement of national strategic objectives.
Attack entails offensive action; implying proactive and aggressive operations against an
enemy. It may be used preemptively and without regard to enemy military force.
Strategic attack is not defined by the use of particular weapons systems or focus
on a specific target type—virtually any system may conduct strategic attack:
AFDP 3-70
is the Air Force’s  For strategic attack, the term strategic is reserved for strategic effects and strategic
operational-level objectives alone.
 Strategic attack is conducted by systems capable of creating effects at all levels of
doctrine for war and in all domains; Air Force air and cyberspace capabilities may conduct
conducting strategic strategic attack that has strategic effects in any or all domains.
attack against
Strategic attack creates strategic effects through application of force directly
enemy centers of against enemy centers of gravity:
gravity.
 A center of gravity is a source of power that provides moral or physical strength,
freedom of action, or will to act.
AFDP 3-70  These sources of power have critical capabilities—means that are crucial enablers
articulates how the for a center of gravity to function as a source of strength.
Air Force  Critical capabilities have critical requirements—essential conditions, resources, or
commands, plans means to make a critical capabilities fully operational.
 Some critical requirements are deficient or vulnerable to some form of attack—critical
for, executes, and
vulnerabilities—that will create decisive effects on the center of gravity. Strategic
assesses strategic attack is usually directed against these, often bypassing fielded military forces.
attack.
Strategic attack can contribute to joint force strategy by creating decisive effects
against:
The principal
 Enemy leadership—attacking them outright or isolating them from their forces.
audiences for
 Conflict-sustaining resources—denying resources (including money, e.g., through
AFDP 3-70 are the cyberspace operations) needed to continue or initiate conflict.
air component  Enemy’s strategy—denying strategic options and choices the enemy may rely upon.
commander and any  Enemy’s ability to fight—isolating leadership or denying enemy choices or leverage
personnel involved often assists battle against enemy fielded forces, saving lives & materiel.
in strategic attack Elements of effective strategic attack employment include:
operations.  Control of the air sufficient to allow air forces to attack strategic targets effectively.
 Parallel operations—strategic attack is often most effective at causing system-wide
paralysis if part of operations simultaneously striking a wide array of targets chosen
to cause maximum shock to the enemy, limiting enemy ability to react and adapt.
 Use in conjunction with coercion by other national instruments of power.
Command and control of strategic attack may be held at higher levels than other
operations due to the sensitivity of certain targets or effects.

22 November 2021
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-72
Nuclear Operations
Strategic effects of nuclear weapons:
Intercontinental ballistic missiles and dual-capable bombers and fighters are the Air
Force’s delivery platforms. Each Air Force nuclear-capable system offers distinct
advantages. Intercontinental ballistic missiles are the most responsive, offering prompt,
on-alert capability combined with dispersed fielding. Dual-capable aircraft offer mission
flexibility and capabilities to provide distinct signaling in a crisis through alert posturing
and shows of force.
Nuclear weapons are primarily used to provide:
AFDP 3-72  Deterrence. Prevents adversary action through credible threat presentation of
establishes that unacceptable counteraction and belief the action cost outweighs perceived benefits.
nuclear operations  Extended deterrence. A commitment to deter and, if necessary, respond across
are a key the spectrum of potential nuclear and non-nuclear scenarios in defense of allies and
component to the partners. Often referred to as the nuclear umbrella.
 Assurance. Easing the fears and sensitivities of allies and partners. Conveyed
success of joint all-
through various alliances, treaties, and bilateral and multilateral agreements.
domain operations  Dissuasion. Closely related to deterrence. Actions taken to demonstrate to an
and critical to this adversary a particular course of action is too costly, or that the benefits are too
current era of great meager to justify the cost. Differs from deterrence in that it is specifically aimed at
power competition. preventing an adversary from developing or acquiring nuclear capabilities.
 Defeat. To convince an adversary to surrender or to end a war on terms favorable
to the US, the President may authorize defeat of an enemy using nuclear weapons.
The principal
audience for Nuclear command, control, and communications
AFDP 3-72 Nuclear command, control, and communications system refers to the means through
is Service members which Presidential authority is exercised and operational command and control of
who are part of the nuclear operations is conducted. Resilient and effective nuclear command, control, and
communications ensures civilian authorities have the maximum possible decision time
nation’s nuclear in all scenarios, which strengthens strategic stability particularly at lower force levels,
enterprise. strengthens the Air Force’s ability to employ forces against a target or series of targets
in a timely manner, provides civilian authorities the means to terminate a conflict and
thus avoid further escalation, and strengthens the Air Force’s ability to respond even
after suffering an attack or series of attacks. Because only the President can authorize
the employment of US nuclear weapons, nuclear operations require nuclear command,
control, and communications systems to provide national leaders with situational
awareness, advance warning, and command and control capabilities.
Planning Considerations
Planning for nuclear operations differs in one important aspect from other forms of joint
planning: US Strategic Command performs detailed planning down to the individual
sortie level, and as a result there is no separate supporting Service component
operation plan. Air Force nuclear capabilities require robust integration with full
spectrum operations to ensure effective employment within a particular region, account
for larger political ramifications, and allow effective operations in a nuclear
environment. Planners may integrate nuclear options with conventional or other non-
nuclear operations to enhance effectiveness and minimize collateral effects.

18 December 2020
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-84
Legal Support to Operations
Legal Support to Operations
Legal support to operations focuses on legal advice to maximize operational freedom
and support national security objectives. Legal support to Air Force commanders is
critical to mission success. Air Force commanders turn to their judge advocates for
insight into the law and its impact on Air Force operations.
Proper legal counsel enhances commanders’ successful decision making ability,
aiding in mission success. Future legal support operations in a contested environment
against a peer or near-peer adversary will require the Air Force to be more adaptive,
AFDP 3-84 resilient, and agile in deployment and employment plans. The Air Force should be
establishes Air ready to provide resilient and redundant legal support capabilities in an environment
Force of peer competition.
doctrine focused on Role of legal support to operations:
legal advice and  Provide legal advice, a critical tool for Air Force commanders.
considerations for  Advise on insight into the law and its impact on Air Force operations.
Air Force  Offer timely legal counsel, enhancing commanders’ successful decision making
operations. It ability and aiding mission success.
highlights the types Airmen support legal support to operations primarily through:
of legal issues  Providing legal subject matter experts for Air Force operations.
addressed by Air  Addressing legal considerations during planning and execution.
Force Judge  Aiding personal legal readiness for all personnel.
Advocate Corps  Providing guidance on rules of engagement and Law of War considerations.
personnel. Legal responsibilities of a commander:
 Mission accomplishment
The principal  Discipline
audiences for  Contracting
AFDP 3-84 are the  Compliance with the law, including US, host nation, and international law
air component Legal advice team of the Air Force includes:
commander and  Judge Advocate General
staff involved in  Staff judge advocates
operations with legal  Air Force officers designated as judge advocates
ramifications.  Active duty enlisted paralegals
 Air Force Reserve Component officers designated as judge advocates
 Air Force Reserve Component enlisted paralegals
 Civilian attorneys and legal services civilians
 Headquarters US Air Force civil law, military justice, operations law
domains/directorates

24 January 2020
31 https://www.doctrine.af.mil
 Air Force Doctrine Publication 3-99
Joint All-Domain Operations
Joint All-domain Command and Control
Joint all-domain command and control is the natural extension of command and
control across domains and functional components and is essential for joint all-
domain operations. The Department of the Air Force’s vision is to connect distributed
sensors, shooters, and data across all domains, to all forces, to enable mission
command for the scaled, coordinated exercise of authority to integrate planning and
ensure the convergence of effects across a dynamic battlespace.
To actualize joint all-domain command and control, the Department of the Air Force’s
AFDP 3-99 solution calls for a command and control construct composed of processes and
establishes a systems that compress decision-making cycles and facilitate convergence of effects
framework for air across domains to enable globally integrated operations. The four key elements of
this construct are:
and space  Sensing grid
components  Advanced networking
supporting joint all-  Decision making
domain operations.  Authorities and effects delivery
Joint All-domain Operations Principles
AFDP 3-99  Mission command through centralized command, distributed control, and
guides the decentralized execution through mission-type orders when appropriate.
Department of the  Delegation of authority to lower echelons and to other component and Service
Air Force in leaders as required
organizing and  Information sharing
 Integrated multi-domain planning
employing
 Risk identification and mitigation
the full range of  Synergistic effects
forces and  Flexibility and Versatility
capabilities  Concentration
presented to a joint Operations in the Information Environment
force commander.
An integral element of joint all-domain operations, characterized by the sequencing of
experiments, actions using information to affect behavior by informing audiences; influencing
wargames, and relevant actors; and affecting information, information networks, and information
exercises continue systems. Operations in the information environment are designed, planned, and
to refine joint all- synchronized to complement and reinforce operational effects from other domains.
domain operations Sequencing should be accounted for in the initial operational planning phases and
executed in concert with other domain operations. Failure to do so limits achieving the
operational desired effects on adversary actors and systems.
principles.
Agile Combat Employment
The principal Agile Combat Employment is a key factor for joint all-domain operations in regards to
audiences for both protection and sustainment. These operations generate rapid and resilient
combat airpower throughout an operational area in response to potential adversary
AFDP 3-99 is all anti-access and area denial efforts. This enhances survivability and the ability to seize
Airmen. the initiative, deliver lethal force with operational unpredictability, and succeed across
the competition continuum. The use of dispersal and maneuver operations increases
survivability of friendly capabilities, decreasing time and distance problems faced in
large theaters, allowing forces to attack and defend quickly.
19 November 2021
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 Air Force Doctrine Publication 4-0
Combat Support
Combat support
Combat support is the foundational and crosscutting capability to field, base, protect,
support, and sustain Air Force forces during military operations across the
competition continuum.
Combat Support Principles
 Combat support enables military operations across the competition continuum with
effects supporting national interests at any time or place.
 Combat support provides essential support according to the needs of the mission
AFDP 4-0 by leveraging the right mix of deployed and distributed footprint and reliable reach
comprises the Air back.
Force’s approach to  Combat support provides the ability to transition swiftly from home station to a
supporting combat deployed environment and between operational requirements.
operations through Combat Support Construct
the opening of  Core effects
airbases and  Core processes
forward operating  Core capabilities
sites.  Functional communities
Combat Support Processes
The principal  Monitoring
audiences for  Assessing
AFDP 4-0 are the air  Planning
component  Execution
commander and Combat Support Capabilities
those involved the Field forces; posture responsive forces; base forces; protect forces; generate the
monitoring, mission; and support and sustain the mission, forces, and infrastructure.
assessing, planning. Planning
and executing
Planning should aim for the minimum possible footprint consistent with effective
combat support operations, especially while preparing the operational environment.
activities.
Lines of Communication
Air, ground, and sea lines of communication are transportation bridges to deploy,
sustain, and redeploy forces to and from a theater of operations.
Base Forces
Establishing, sustaining, recovering, and closing airbases and forward operating
sites.
Airbase Opening Transition Events
There are specific times during airbase opening when transitions between events
drive actions that combat support forces need to be prepared for, these are outlined in
AFI 10-401, Air Force Operations Planning and Execution.

5 January 2020
33 https://www.doctrine.af.mil
 Air Force Doctrine Publication 4-02
Health Services
Air Force Health Services
The Air Force Medical Service ensures medically fit forces, provides expeditionary
medics and improves the health of all we need to serve to meet our nation’s needs.
Air Force provides health services by:
 Employing as part of a combat support force module in Air Force and Joint
operations.
 Medical force capabilities are integrated into each air expeditionary task force
module.
AFDP 4-02  Providing en route care capability, medical logistics, and force health protection.
presents the Air  Executing support operations at home and abroad.
Force’s doctrine on En Route Care Capability
how Air Force
 Provides the joint force commander the ability for forces to receive lifesaving care
medical forces
from the point of injury to definitive care in the least amount of time.
provide seamless  Consists of the en route patient staging system, Air Force theater hospital, en route
health service fixed treatment facilities, en route critical care teams, critical care air transport
support to the Air teams, and aeromedical evacuation crews.
Force and Joint Medical Logistics
Force.
 Provides support and sustainment to all air expeditionary task force medical forces.
 Consists of Air Force medical logistics operations center, medical logistics
The principal management center, and patient movement items.
audiences for Force Health Protection
AFDP 4-02 are the
 Consists of promoting a fit and healthy force, preventing illness/injury, and
air component providing casualty care and management.
commander and all  Fit and healthy force: being able to deploy on short notice and operate
personnel involved effectively in austere environments.
in health service  Prevent illness/injury: Protecting Airmen from illness/injury caused by
support activities. environmental; occupational; operational; warfare; and chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear threats.
 Casualty care/management: Providing rapid restoration of Airmen to combat
ready status.
Health Support Operations
 Partnership with the DOD, State Department, and global community.
 Partnerships with military and civilian entities in stability operations, global health
engagement programs, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief missions, and
integration with special operations forces.
Home Station Planning and Execution
Provide responsive medical platforms to support local, state, tribal, and federal
contingency operations.

12 November 2019
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 Air Force Doctrine Note 1-21
Agile Combat Employment
Adversaries can challenge the US’s ability to project power from main operating
bases. To address this threat, Agile Combat Employment enablers shift operations
from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations
that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force
commanders.
Agile combat employment requires a revolutionary change in how the Air Force thinks
about and conducts operations within the modern operational environment. This
doctrine note informs agile combat employment concepts and provides a mechanism
AFDN 1-21 to quickly evolve doctrine to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.
constitutes the Air Agile Combat Employment
Force’s first doctrine A proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat
on agile combat timelines to increase resiliency and survivability while generating combat power.
employment. Agile Combat Employment Enablers
 Expeditionary and multi-capable Airmen
AFDN 1-21  Tailorable force packages
articulates the Air
Agile Combat Employment Enablers Operations Framework
Force’s new
approach to combat  Posture. Forces must be able to rapidly execute operations from various locations
with integrated capabilities and interoperability across the core functions.
operations using
 Command and Control. Mission command provides the framework.
distributed forces re-  Movement and Maneuver. Agility and ability to outpace an adversary’s action
aggregated to mass through movement and maneuver to achieve and fight from positions of
airpower and advantage; disrupts the adversary’s decision cycle by creating multiple dilemmas.
achieve operational  Protection. A robust and layered integrated air and missile defense is paramount
advantage. It to protect the force from threats, including small unmanned aircraft systems, cruise
missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic weapons.
explains agile  Sustainment. Innovative logistics solutions and pre-positioned materiel are
combat operations mandatory.
from an operational  Information. Agile Combat Employment supports information warfare’s aim of
level, at a speed, shaping the perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes of relevant actors.
scope, complexity,  Intelligence. Intelligence and counterintelligence should be prepared to support
operations in a degraded environment characterized by mission command and
and scale exceeding
rapidly changing basing.
recent campaigns  Fires. The execution of fires does not fundamentally change but requires the use
from distributed of mission-type orders and delegation of authorities to the lowest appropriate level.
locations.

The principal
audience for
AFDN 1-21 is all
members of the
profession of arms
in the United States
Air Force.

1 December 2021
35 https://www.doctrine.af.mil
 Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
THE AIR FORCE

29 June 2022

AFI 10-1301,
Air Force Air Land Sea
Doctrine Applications Center
Development 3-2 Series

“TTPs are AF A4 / Air Force Civil

tactical doctrine Engineer Center
that describes 3-32 Series
the proper
employment of
specific
resources,
individually or in Weapons Systems
concert with 3-1/3 Series
other resources,
to accomplish
detailed
objectives.” USAF Expeditionary Center
3-4 Series

Air Force Medical Service

3-42 Series
*Images contain hyperlinks to source materials

36
29 June 2022
 401 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6112
Email: usafdoctrine@us.af.mil
Website: www.doctrine.af.mil