text: Chapter 10
  Air Considerations During Multinational Operations
  This chapter begins by discussing the characteristics of the air environment. It then
  discusses air operations in multinational operations, air and missile defense, and
  airfield operations. Lastly, the chapter provides considerations for commanders and
  staffs.
  CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIR ENVIRONMENT
  10-1. The air domain is the atmosphere, beginning at the Earth’s surface, extending to the altitude where its
  effects upon operations become negligible (JP 3-30). As with other domains, unique characteristics of the air
  domain directly impact operations in other domains, including on land. Conversely, characteristics of the
  land domain (such as airfield locations, obstacles to approach, and landing zones) create effects in the air
  domain. The multinational ground force commander contributes to operations in and receives support from
  the air domain. Multinational forces frequently cannot achieve mission success in one domain without
  controlling key terrain in the other.
  MULTINATIONAL AIR OPERATIONS
  10-2. Multinational air operations gain and maintain sufficient control of the air to conduct operations against
  objectives in the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of warfare. To simultaneously meet the various
  objectives against which air operations can be planned, multinational commanders achieve unity of effort
  between air and ground operations. The most important principles for achieving unity of effort include the
  following:
  • Unified air action.
  • Centralized control.
  • Decentralized execution.
  (Refer to AJP-3.3 and JP 3-30 for more information on unity of effort.)
  COMMAND AND CONTROL DURING AIR OPERATIONS
  10-3. The multinational commander designates a multinational air component commander, an area air
  defense commander, and an airspace control authority to control the capabilities of air operations. The
  multinational commander establishes the authority and command relationships of the multinational air
  component commander and assigns responsibilities. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating,
  allocating, and tasking joint air operations based on the multinational commander’s concept of operations
  and air apportionment decision. These activities rely on the full representation and expertise of all elements
  of the multinational force contributing to the air operations plan. At the tactical level of operations, the
  multinational air component commander’s authority includes exercising tactical command over assigned and
  attached forces and tactical control over other military capabilities or forces available for tasking.
  10-4. The multinational commander establishes supporting and supported relationships between components
  to facilitate operations. The commander retains the option of controlling air operations directly using the
  multinational headquarters staff. The multinational commander vests authority to a component commander
  to carry out the duties of the airspace control authority and area air defense commander. The multinational
  air component commander is the most likely choice for appointment as the airspace control authority and
  area air defense commander. The multinational air component commander is responsible for air operations
  and airspace control measures. Any division of these responsibilities requires detailed coordination for safe
  and effective air operations.
  AIR OPERATIONS PLANNING AND TASKING
  10-5. Air operations planning develops the concept of operations that describes the best COA and produces
  the air operations plan. This plan articulates and communicates multinational air component commander’s