Operation LAUNCH PAD partnership between the 34 TRW & the SWC
1. The 34 TRW, U. S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), in concert with the Space Warfare Center (SWC) will embark on an approximately one-year effort named Operation LAUNCH PAD. This project will review all current aspects of cadet military education and training in space power and information operations (IO), identify shortfalls, and build a roadmap for a coherent education and training plan that will meet the demands placed on these future Air & Space leaders. The SCHRIEVER 2001 (S2001) wargame scenario and world environment, will define and baseline Operation LAUNCH PAD. S2001 will be used as the template, identifying the space and IO knowledge and skills required of future USAFA grads. Lt Col Berry is designated as the Director, Operation LAUNCH PAD (Space and IO, Research).
2. The Operation LAUNCH PAD Director will coordinate SWC support and lead a 34 TRW team to achieve the following 34 TRW project objectives:
3. Lt Col Berry’s duty, as Director and team leader will include:
a. Develop the SHRIEVER 2001 war game environment into a template that will define the future space power and IO military educational and training requirements for academy graduates.
b. Review of all 34th Education Group course syllabi to ensure future cadet education supports LAUNCH PAD objectives.
c. Review of all 34th Training Group training syllabi to ensure future cadet education supports LAUNCH PAD objectives.
d. Review of all 34th Training Group summer programs to identify space and IO training and support opportunities.
e.
Help design a future
Air and Space Power Education and Training Facility. Ensure resources needed to accomplish future
space power and IO training is included in the design.
f. Develop for submission a Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (TENCAP) project to assist with the design and procurement of an Air and Space Operations Center Simulator for inclusion in the Air and Space Power Education and Training facility. Explore possible TENCAP and SWC support for other project objectives.
g. Survey the Academy environment and provide a recommendation on upgrading memorial and historical displays with space assets to compliment the existing air power displays.
h. Prepare a planning document that provides the 34 TRW with a recommended, accession level, space power and IO military education and training program. This document will include, but is not limited to, recommended changes or upgrades to syllabi, resources, and facilities needed to meet program requirements.
4. Lt Col Berry will be allowed to select and lead a team from the 34 EDG, 34 TRG, 34 OG, and other 34 TRW agencies as needed to complete Operation LAUNCH PAD objectives and tasks.
5. It is believed that this Operation LAUNCH PAD partnership between the 34 TRW and the SWC will significantly improve the space power and IO capabilities of our future officers. The Operation LAUNCH PAD planning document will be shared with ROTC and OTS to ensure all officer accession sources will have full advantage of this SWC supported initiative.
6. The remainder of this document is the Operation LAUNCH PAD TEMPLATE.
OPERATION LAUNCH PAD TEMPLATE
The
-- General Michael
E. Ryan, USAF Chief of Staff, 1999
To continue the journey of gaining and maintaining Air
& Space superiority, the
S2001 PRODUCED NINE MAJOR FINDINGS:
·
Space Capabilities
Provided Deterrence
·
Preparations in Space
Are Not Provocative
·
Red Low Tech Attacks
Challenge Blue
·
Defense of Space
Systems is Critical
·
Robust Force Structure
Provides Greater Flexibility
·
Robust Force Structure
Provides Terrestrial Advantages
·
Terrestrial Force
Protection Should be Flowed into Theater First
·
Commercial Space
Systems are a Force Multiplier for All
·
Air & Space
Command and Control Relationships Will Evolve
These findings demonstrate that
the
The Cadet Desired Learning
Objectives (CDLO), are designed to produce graduate officers, leaders and
problem solvers, with;
a. Current knowledge of space history,
environment and capabilities
b. The operational mindset for using space and
IO, and
c. Experience in Space and IO, through USAFA
education and training events
CADET DESIRED LEARNING OBJECTIVES (CDLO)
CDLO 01. Identify
space policy, doctrine and strategy issues.
CDLO 02. Give
examples of Air & Space effects required to end a conflict to the
advantage of the
CDLO 03. Comprehend
the capabilities and limitations (military utility) of specific counterspace
and force application space systems. Recognize
the characteristics and capabilities of:
3.1. A Space Operations
Vehicle (SOV), also known as a second generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV).
3.2. A Low Cost
Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS).
3.3. A Small Diameter
Bomb (SDB).
3.4. Direct ascent antisatellite (ASAT) weapons.
3.5. Microsatellites.
3.6. Spacemines.
3.7. Communications
satellite jammers.
3.8. Mobile laser
jammers.
3.9. Large airborne
Global Positioning System (GPS) jammers.
3.10.
Numerous smaller GPS
jammers.
3.11.
A Common Aerospace
Vehicle (CAV).
3.12.
Space Based Radar
(SBR) satellites.
3.13.
Space-Based Space Surveillance
satellites.
3.14.
Space-Based Infra-Red
System LO (SBIRS LO) satellites.
3.15.
Global Multi-Mission
Support Program (GMSP) satellites.
3.16.
Theater High Altitude
Air Defense (THAAD).
3.17.
An AEGIS cruiser.
CDLO 04. Comprehend
the capabilities and applications of commercial space systems.
CDLO 05. Analyze
how “robust space forces” can compliment National and military strategy and
objective.[2]
5.1
Distinguish how satellite hardening, can compliment National and
military strategy and objective.
5.1.1
Define “satellite hardening”.
5.2
Distinguish how large satellite constellations for redundancy, can
compliment National and military strategy and objective.
5.3
Distinguish how more secure satellite orbits can compliment National
and military strategy and objective.
CDLO 06. Differentiate
and separate the capabilities of a robust Air & Space force, from that
of a less capable baseline force.[3]
6.1
Explain how multifunction microsatellites can provide more
counterspace and space protection capabilities.
6.2
Explain how Space-Based Space Surveillance can enhance space
situational awareness.
6.3
Explain how significantly more Common Aerospace Vehicles (CAV) can
provide prompt precision global strikes against hardened targets.
6.4
Recall how a larger Space Based Radar (SBR) constellation can
provide continuous tracking of enemy terrestrial forces.
6.5
Recall how Space-Based Infra-Red System LO (SBIRS LO) satellites
can be hardened against Red directed energy weapons.
6.6
Recall how Global Multi-Mission Support Program (GMSP) satellites
can provide a more jam resistant GPS signal and additional communications
capabilities.
CDLO 07. Comprehend the “near-peer”
relationship of an opposing force with:
7.1.
A strategic nuclear
capability, conventional and nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
(ICBMs), a large conventional force, and a robust intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (ISR) capability that provides them a full view of the
battlespace.
7.2.
A formidable number of
weapons to limit US access to the region including advanced surface-to-air
missiles, long-range cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
7.3.
Early warning,
communications and navigation infrastructure roughly equivalent to current
8.1.
Explain the role of the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) cell.[4]
8.2.
Recognize how, when facing an enemy with a strategic nuclear
capability, the possibility of escalation to a nuclear exchange is always part
of the SECDEF's decision calculus.
8.3.
Describe how space forces can provide the
8.3.1.
Define “deterrence.”
8.4.
Identify how space operations are difficult to monitor.
8.5.
Describe how deterrent options can be employed to apply pressure
that allows the potential adversary to back down from the conflict without
embarrassment.
8.6.
Comprehend the deterrent options, of:
8.6.1.
Observe: Summarize how, during the
pre-hostility phase, Blue can use their ISR capabilities to observe and
publicize Red's massing of ground forces to mobilize world opinion against
possible Red aggression.
8.6.1.1. Describe how this sharing of information can help induce stability
into an inherently unstable situation.
8.6.2.
Threaten: Summarize how, "at risk"
deterrent options can threaten the adversary without disabling his systems or
destroying his territory.
8.6.2.1. Describe how actions such as jamming and dazzling selected Red
satellites, and deploying Blue microsatellites near Red satellites (to prepare
for Blue counterspace actions), can threaten without disabling.
8.6.2.2. Describe how, all of these actions are considered scaleable and
most importantly, reversible.
8.6.2.3. Describe how this process of prepositioning space assets to
support later counterspace operations can be described as a “space Time Phased
Force Deployment (TPFD)”.
8.6.2.4. Describe how actions in this option can be structured to provide
a deliberate and increasingly greater show of force with pauses to allow for
diplomacy and enemy withdrawal.
8.6.3.
Strike: Summarize how, if the observe and
threaten options fail to produce the desired results; Blue can develop a
preemptive strike option (early deterrent strike).
8.6.3.1. Define “early deterrent strike.”
8.6.4.
Recognize how developed plans for focused attacks
(early deterrent strike) can convince Red they cannot achieve their military
and strategic objectives.
8.7.
Summarize how extensive space and information operations for
deterrence and to posture forces, can gain a decisive advantage even before the
first overt shot is fired or territorial boundary crossed.
8.7.1.
Recognize how actions in this gray area of hostile engagement can
prove decisive, or at least have a major impact on the future unfolding of
combat operations.
CDLO 09. Demonstrate, in a wargame/simulation, how “Preparations in Space are Not Provocative”
9.1. Show how actions taken by the Blue teams can posture their forces for deterrence.
9.1.1. Predict how Red’s lack of adequate space situational awareness, to fully see the Blue Space TPFD, is a limiting factor to the deterrent value of these actions.
9.1.2. Explain why the SECDEF may simply choose to release some information directly to Red, providing a limited awareness of Blue’s actions, to ensure Red receives the deterrent message.
9.1.3. Describe how, if deterrence fails, Blue space forces are now in place to bring about the desired endstate with few casualties and minimal collateral damage.
9.2.
Show that
although Preparations in Space may give Blue a military advantage, the
opposition may not consider them provocative.
9.2.1.
Explain
"traditional" trigger points, of which the opposition may base their decision
to begin hostilities or accelerate timelines upon.
9.2.1.1. Recall how air, land or
sea forces moving in, or toward the theater can be a "traditional"
trigger point.
9.2.1.2. Recall how deployment of Theater High Altitude Air Defense
(THAAD) to theater can be a "traditional" trigger point.
9.2.1.3. Recall how the insertion of combat forces can be a
"traditional" trigger point.
9.2.1.4. Recall how the deployment of AEGIS cruisers can be a
"traditional" trigger point.
9.2.1.5. Recall how Blue bombers moved to forward bases, within striking
distance of the opposition, can be a "traditional" trigger point.
9.2.1.6. Recall how violation of Red airspace can be a
"traditional" trigger point.
9.2.2.
Explain how the
actual interference with an opposition space asset CAN be a space-related trigger.
CDLO 10. Comprehend how “Red Low Tech Attacks Challenge Blue”
10.1.
Identify how a variety of special force operations and terrorist
(third party) attacks against Blue space ground sites critical to satellite
command and control, national missile defense, launch operations, and space
data processing, can challenge Blue’s Air & Space superiority.
10.2.
Recall how deception techniques versus ISR capabilities,
can challenge Blue’s Air & Space superiority.
10.2.1.
Give examples of “deception techniques versus ISR capabilities.”
10.3.
Recall how the opposition can employ a “shell game” with its
force by constantly shifting its theater ballistic missiles, transporter
erector launchers (TELs), aircraft, and associated
decoys, to complicate Blue’s terrestrial situational awareness.
10.4.
Recall how the opposition can exploit Blue's dependency on GPS,
by jamming the GPS signal frequency in theater, limiting Blue's precision
strike capability.
11.1.
Identify how a variety of Red threats can challenge Blue's space
forces including microsats, ground-based lasers, direct ascent ASATs, and space
mines.
11.2.
Identify counterspace capabilities.
11.2.1.
Recall how microsatellites can be used to both protect friendly
assets and engage enemy systems.
11.2.2.
Recall how an advanced space surveillance system, capable of
tracking small and potentially deceptive targets such as Red microsatellites,
can provide real-time space situational awareness to support effective
counterspace operations.
11.2.3.
Recall how Common Aerospace Vehicles (CAVs)
can be key to rapid force application against deep,
highly protected Red ground-based counterspace systems.
11.2.3.1.
Recognize how Red ground based lasers can cripple Blue space forces
in a matter of hours.
11.2.4.
Recognize how, when active defense fails, a robust force can be
sufficient to withstand initial Red attacks and continue to meet their mission
objectives due to their hardened and redundant constellations.
11.3.
Recognize why the SECDEF may specifically prohibit any interference
with certain space and ground systems associated with the opponent’s strategic
nuclear deterrence (including early warning satellites).
11.4. Recognize why the SECDEF may be very concerned about the potential escalation in the event Red interference with Blue early warning satellites.
12.1.
Identify why a robust, numerically superior force structure gives
Blue the flexibility to absorb a first strike in space and continue to
accomplish their objectives.
12.2.
Identify why a baseline (non-robust) force with limited space
assets could clearly not absorb a first strike in space and still be effective
12.2.1.
Recognize why a baseline (non-robust) force may appeal strongly for
the SECDEF or President to allow preemptive strike authority.
12.3.
Identify why a robust space force provides a stabilizing deterrent
while a limited baseline space force may create instability by pushing both
sides towards early strikes in an attempt to gain military advantage.
14.1.
Recognize that; when fighting a near peer possessing a large theater
ballistic missile threat, it is imperative to deploy force protection assets
early and sustain them throughout the campaign.
14.2.
Recognize how force protection assets may reduce the number of
ballistic missiles leaking through defenses, thereby allowing more combat
sorties to be generated against Red invasion forces.
14.3.
Recognize why the Blue robust team may delay the flow of ground and
air based ISR and rely on space based ISR assets to provide a detailed picture
of the battlespace during the early days of the conflict.
14.3.1.
Describe how this tactic can free up airlift for force protection
without compromising the commander’s view of the battlespace.
15.1.
Explain that anyone can purchase commercial ISR and communications
capabilities to support their military operations.
15.2.
Explain that anyone can attempt to limit commercial support to
their opponents.
15.2.1.
Recognize that relatively little leveraging power may exist with
commercial capabilities.
15.2.2.
Recognize that commercial organizations may be driven by their
ultimate interest; “the bottom line,” and answer to their CEOs and
stockholders.
15.2.3.
Recognize how multinational corporations may prefer to remain
neutral, viewing wartime demands for their services as a business
opportunity.
15.2.4. Recognize how commercial organizations may not legally be able to breach contracts to further the objectives of Blue or Red.
15.2.5.
Recognize that in conflicts abroad, Red may be the dominant customer
in the region, further limiting Blue's leverage with commercial companies and
consortia.
15.3.
Comprehend why the
15.3.1.
Describe why the
15.3.2.
Describe why the
15.3.3.
Recognize why these same procedures/agreements need to address the
limitation or denial of space support to adversaries.
15.3.4.
Recognize why these agreements require coordination with a broad
range of government departments including Defense, State, Commerce, and
Transportation.
16.1.
Interpret how space weapons and new information systems routinely
compress decision cycles requiring near instantaneous response to enemy
actions.
16.2.
Recognize how these factors and the inherently global nature of
space forces arguably pose challenges to current organizational structures and
rules of engagement.
16.3.
Recognize why as space forces increase in capability and complexity,
the command and control relationships of these forces will mature to ensure
effective counterspace operations.
16.4.
Recognize why as other services deploy additional counterspace
systems, the command and control relationships of these forces will mature to
ensure effective counterspace operations.
S2001 provided an excellent opportunity to explore many
oncoming Air & Space issues projected for 2017. An important first for the Air Force, S2001
showed AF commitment to better understanding and advancing Air & Space
power. The insights from the game will
provide vital inputs for a military strategy and force structure that future
USAFA graduates will employ. An accession
level education and training commitment will ensure the
The USAFA Operation LAUNCH PAD Director [5] will use this template to baseline our future graduate officers, leaders and problem solvers’ accession level education and training. USAFA graduates need the basic system knowledge, an operational mindset and accession level experience, to comprehend the evolving roles of Space & IO in modern warfare.
[1] In September 2000, Brigadier General David Deptula (HQ USAF/QR), the Air Force focal point for the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), requested the wargame switch to the same 2017 scenario being used by the Department of Defense for the QDR. This change allowed lessons learned in S2001 to be better integrated into the QDR process.
[2] In Title X wargames, prior to S2001,
adversaries aggressively attacked space assets resulting in major/early losses
to US satellite constellations. Players
were left with the impression that space was fragile. To compensate, S2001
explored enhanced options for space protection.
[3] S2001’s robust force started with Global Engagement V's vision force and added several counterspace and force application capabilities consistent with Air Force Space Command's Strategic Master Plan
[4] Joint Chief of Staff Memo, 11 JAN 02, directed discontinued use of the term National Command Authority (NCA). Documents should instead refer specifically to the “President” or “SECDEF”, as appropriate.
[5]