AFDD 2-1.9, page 53

43 communications plan, general instructions for inter- and intra-theater airlift, and so on. It may also include the ACO. The ACO provides direction to deconflict, coordinate, and integrate the use of airspace within the operational area. (Note: this does not imply any level of command authority over air assets.) It may be included as a section of or appendix to the SPINS (and thus of the ATO). Execution Planning and Force Execution Purpose of the Phase Execution planning includes the preparation necessary for combat units to accomplish the decentralized execution of the ATO. It generally consists of the 12 hours immediately prior to the start of a given day’s ATO execution period. Force execution refers to the 24-hour period in which a particular ATO is executed by combat units. The CAOC aids both, preparing input for, supporting, and monitoring execution. The commander of Air Force forces (COMAFFOR), as the Air Force’s warfighting commander, directs execution of Air Force air and space capabilities. If a CFACC is appointed, that commander directs execution of air and space capabilities and forces made available for joint or combined operations. It is normal, of course, for the COMAFFOR to also be the CFACC. Inherent in this is the authority to redirect joint or combined air assets. Under the Air Force doctrine of centralized control and decentralized execution, unit commanders are given the freedom and flexibility to plan missions and delivery tactics as long as they fall within timing requirements, ROE, and intent of effects. The CFACC coordinates redirection of sorties that were previously allocated for support of component operations with affected component commanders. During execution, the CAOC is the central agency for revising the tasking of air forces. It is also responsible for coordinating and deconflicting any changes with appropriate agencies or components. It may or may not have authority to re-direct use of space and information capabilities supporting theater efforts, depending upon the asset. Due to battlespace dynamics, the CFACC may be required to make changes to planned operations during execution. The CAOC must be flexible and responsive to changes required during execution of the ATO. Forces not apportioned for joint or combined operations, but included on the ATO for coordination purposes, can be redirected only with the approval of the respective component or allied commanders. During execution, the CFACC is also responsible for retargeting air assets to respond to emerging targets or changing priorities. The CFACC may delegate the authority to re- direct missions made available for higher priority targets to C2 mission commanders as necessary. The CAOC must be notified of all redirected missions, however. The COD supervises the detailed execution of the ATO. Targeteers are an integral part of combat operations. They monitor ATO execution and recommend alternate