Disjointed Command and Air Domain Challenges in Alaska: The Case for a Single U.S. Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander

Authors

• Jeffrey W. Kempff, National Defense University, Joint Forces Staff CollegeFollow

Abstract

The current command and control (C2) organizational structure over the air domain in Alaska is fragmented and doctrinally inconsistent, undermining homeland defense and reducing wartime lethality. Disjointed roles between the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)—particularly in the Alaska Theater of Operations (AKTO) and Alaska NORAD Region Area of Operations (ANR AO)—create gaps in unity of command and effort, especially within the air component. This article examines Alaska's fractured air domain organization and command relationships, illustrating operational ambiguity, duplicative efforts, and inconsistencies that delay decision-making. It proposes a focused, near-term solution: unify the Alaska air domain under a single U.S. Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander (C/JFACC) and properly resource and realign the Alaska Air Defense Sector (AADS) to mirror its contiguous U.S. counterparts. The Commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM can reorganize forces under his command to provide unity of effort and simplicity in the air domain. Unifying the air domain will improve decision speed, enhance deterrence, and significantly increase lethality and responsiveness to bolster the joint all-domain defense of the homeland from peacetime to crisis or conflict.