Transforming Air Force ISR for the Long War and Beyond

Centralized control and decentralized execution are crucial for effective air power, as emphasized by the J/CFACC. The evolution of airborne strategic ISR operations from the Cold War to modern conflicts has led to a disconnect between theater-level ISR and tactical needs, resulting in distrust and a lack of responsiveness. To address this, the paper proposes new ISR organizational and execution models based on established CAS doctrine, promoting direct interactions and standardized processes among ISR assets, exploiters, and tactical units to enhance operational effectiveness.