Publisher's Synopsis
Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 3-52, Airspace Control, is the Air Force's foundational doctrinal publication on Air Force airspace control operations and organization. AFDD 3-52 presents Air Force-sanctioned ideas, lessons learned, and best practices to help Airmen2 conceptualize and articulate their role in airspace control operations. The publication introduces and develops the Air Force's role in integrating controlling agencies and joint airspace users into the theater-wide mission of the joint force commander. It establishes the foundations for developing Air Force education on airspace control and the subsequent development of sound tactics, techniques, and procedures. Chapter 1, Airspace Control Fundamentals, places into context airspace control's role within the range of military operations. In doing so, the chapter acknowledges the complexity of the modern airspace environment while simultaneously noting the critical role airspace control plays in the integration, deconfliction, and risk management of joint operations. It discusses the unique perspective Airmen bring to airspace control and the general policy guiding their actions. The chapter describes airspace control's cross-domain effects and how the enduring principles of war and tenets of airpower relate to its operations. Finally it details how this publication integrates with corresponding joint and sister-Service doctrine. Chapter 2, Command and Organization, describes organization and command relationships within the Air Force command architecture and how these forces are presented to a joint force commander as part of the commander, Air Force forces' air and space expeditionary task force. It details the roles and responsibilities of Air Force structure as well as the corresponding organizations of the other Services and Components. Finally, the chapter details the homeland organizational structure and the intertwined complexity of military and agency governing and regulation. Chapter 3, Planning and Execution, describes how airspace control operations are designed, planned, and executed across the range of military operations. Two appendices complement the document. The first appendix outlines considerations when developing an ACP. The second appendix, "Regional Air Movement Control Center," describes the organization, its reason for existence, and its structure.
