In fact, the technologies exist to drastically hasten both processes today. Three factors hinder the ability to utilize intelligence gathered from strategic ISR assets in near real-time: 1) SATCOM downlink time 2) intelligence processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) and 3) information flow from command and control (C2) to the joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) and CAS assets.Īddressing challenges with SATCOM downlink time are beyond the scope of this article however, intelligence PED and information flow from C2 to the CAS team are worthy topics. However, there is one big problem with utilizing these assets in CAS the slow and tedious information flow from sensor to shooter. However, theater and national-level reconnaissance assets cover large swaths of the battlespace, including the area between the forward line of own troops (FLOT) and the fire support coordination line (FSCL).

The majority of ISR assets in the Air Force will not be available for close air support (CAS) or strike coordination and reconnaissance (SCAR) in the next great power competition. However, the ISR capabilities developed in the last twenty years may be the single great advantage the US enjoys. The tactics, techniques, procedures, and habits from COIN operations create a significant hurdle in preparing for great power competition. In response, the Joint Force bolstered ISR capabilities with new sensors, platforms, and databases. The enemy’s detectable signatures (DSIGs) continued to shrink as they learned to evade our intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Twenty years of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan created a construct where precision fires and low-collateral effects were prioritized. He has over 2,000 hours in the A-10C and flew combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Major Ridge “KELSO” Flick is an active duty USAF A-10C Weapons Officer Instructor Pilot with assignments in the 25th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Operations Support Squadron, 355th Operations Group, 66th Weapons Squadron and will serve at the USAF Warfare Center as a Combat Air Force’s Fellow this summer.

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