From Bombs to Bits: Air-to-Ground Operations as a Model for the Tactical Information Environment

The article of record may be found at : https://warontherocks.com/2022/03/from-bombs-to-bits-air-to-ground-operations-as-a-model-for-the-tactical-information-environment/In this article, the authors argue that the role of the tactical air controller can be advantageously adapted to the cyber, information, and space realms. Tactical air controllers and joint terminal attack controllers are battalion- to platoon-level personnel who act as liaisons between ground commanders and air assets, "provid[ing] expertise . . . on when and how to properly employ aviation assets . . . , passing on targeting information and controlling air-delivered ground attacks." Similarly, on-the-ground, tactical-level "multi-domain terminal effects controllers" with training in information, cyber, and space would be able to respond quickly to the dynamic circumstances of combat operations, "identify[ing] local physical or virtual targets, relay[ing] their positions to information, cyber, or space experts at a higher command, and synchroniz[ing] the timing of their effects with the ground force's maneuver." The authors conclude that "bridg[ing] the gap between ground maneuver and national-level information, cyber, and space capability . . . can help equip every level of command with the right personnel and equipment to gain and maintain an information advantage.