JP 3-0, page 60

Chapter III III-8 JP 3-0 include, but are not limited to organizing the staff, planning, coordinating, and monitoring joint air operations, and the allocation and tasking of joint air operations forces based on the JFC’s CONOPS and air apportionment decision. The JFC may designate the JFACC as the supported commander for strategic attack, air interdiction, and airborne ISR (among other missions) who is responsible to the JFC for planning, coordinating, executing, and assessing these missions. When the JFC designates a JFACC, the JFC also normally designates the JFACC as the area air defense commander (AADC) and airspace control authority (ACA) because the three functions are so integral to one another. When appropriate, the JFC may designate a separate AADC or ACA. In those joint operations where separate commanders are designated, close coordination is essential for unity of effort, prevention of fratricide, and deconfliction of joint air operations. (a) Airspace Control Authority. The JFC is ultimately responsible for airspace control in the operational area. The ACA, in conjunction with the Service and functional components, coordinates and integrates the use of the airspace under the JFC’s authority. The ACA develops guidance, techniques, and procedures for airspace control and for the coordination required among units within the operational area. The ACA establishes an airspace control system (ACS) that is responsive to the JFC’s needs, integrates ACS with the HN, and coordinates and deconflicts user requirements. The airspace control plan (ACP) and airspace control order (ACO) express how the airspace will be used to support mission accomplishment. The ACA develops the ACP and, after JFC approval, distributes it throughout the operational area and to all supporting airspace users. The ACP begins with the distribution of the ACO, and is executed when components and users comply with the ACO as described in JP 3-30, Command and Control for Joint Air Operations. (b) Area Air Defense Commander. The AADC is responsible for defensive counterair (DCA) (which includes both air and missile threats) operations. The AADC must identify those volumes of airspace and control measures that support and enhance DCA operations, identify required airspace management systems, establish procedures for systems to operate within the airspace, and ensure they are incorporated into the ACS. During complex operations or campaigns conducted in a large theater of operations, the AADC may recommend and the JFC may choose to divide the JOA into separate air defense regions, each with a regional air defense commander who could be delegated responsibilities and decision-making authority for DCA operations within the region. f. Command and Control System. JFCs exercise authority and direction through a C2 system, which consists of the facilities, equipment, communications, staff functions and procedures, and personnel essential for planning, preparing for, monitoring, and assessing operations. The C2 system must enable the JFC to maintain communications with higher, supporting, and subordinate commands in order to control all aspects of current operations while planning for future operations. (1) The joint force staff is the linchpin of the C2 system, since the JFC understands, plans, directs, and controls most aspects of operations through the staff’s expertise and efforts.