JEFX 2004 execution phase is under way

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. James L. Bressendorff
  • Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2004 Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) --  The Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2004 execution phase is under way here. This is the fifth in a series of large-scale experiments that explore and assess new and emerging air power capabilities.

The executing phase began July 19 and ends Aug. 5.

Previous meetings, or spirals, focused on setup, training and integration. They were considered the “dress rehearsal” for the execution phase. In the final phase of the experiment, all the elements of the spirals will merge together with a battle scenario to test the concepts, capabilities and initiatives.

“(The experiment) tests emerging capabilities in a realistic scenario and combines them with Combined Air and Space Operations Center processes to make sure it works,” said Col. Dave Youker, director of the Air Force experimentation office. “In an exercise, the end goal is to have a highly trained staff. In an experiment, the end goal is to be able to make a recommendation to the Air Force chief of staff (about) whether or not to pursue emerging capabilities.”

The center acts as the central nervous system of the experiment where information flows in and instructions flow out. The seating is like a movie theater. Warfighters from various specialties are arranged in rows, and the combined forces air and space component commander overlooks the operations floor from the battlecab. The battlecab is where the air commander directs operations.

Several large computer projections line the front wall creating a mosaic of video, still pictures and current-mission information. It is a state-of-the-art command and control center designed to grow as changing mission requirements and technology evolve.

“Today’s complex battle environment needs a centralized command and control element to ensure the most efficient use of air assets,” said Lt. Col. Brian Searcy, chief of combat operations. “The challenge in any CAOC is to manage those events that are not planned for. An example of that would be disabled aircraft and downed pilots.”

This experiment also integrates elements of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps as well as British, Canadian and Australian forces. Coalition partners are included in the center similar to a wartime environment.

Key elements of the British air component embedded with the American air component staff for the first time in Operation Iraqi Freedom, said Royal Air Force Wing Commander Andy Tucker, deputy chief of combat operations. He said American and British forces have taken every opportunity to train together so they are better able to integrate operations during a conflict.

The experiment is exploring 15 initiatives to assess the capabilities of certain systems including testing of machine-to-machine interfaces, real-time data links among aircraft, people and the CAOC, and real-time space situational awareness within the area of operations.

The initiatives are based on need, lessons learned or military doctrine, Colonel Youker said.

Throughout the experiment, assessors will measure the initiatives’ successes and provide feedback from the warfighters.

Unlike exercises or inspections, experiment evaluators do not assign grades to overall mission success, but rather evaluate the success based on whether or not the objectives were met.

“The goal is to come up with new tools and processes that we can quickly transfer to the field to enhance the ability of the warfighter to execute the mission,” said Maj. Brian Joos, chief of analysis and assessment.