The Lemay Center highlights Joint Task Force (JTF) Proven Force during Operation DESERT STORM, an exemplar of mission command and mission-type orders (MTO).
On 2 Aug 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait. Almost immediately, the US assembled and led a coalition to remove Iraq from Kuwait. As part of the coalition’s build up, JTF Proven Force was stood up in US European Command to open a “second front” from Turkey. JTF Proven Force’s mission was to tie down northern Iraqi forces and neutralize operational- and strategic-level targets in northern Iraq.
The 7440th Composite Wing (provisional) was formed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey to serve as the main combat arm of JTF Proven Force. Brigadier General Lee Downer commanded the wing and had an initial footprint of 48 aircraft from US Air Forces Europe—it grew to over 150 F-111E’s, F-15s, F-16s, F-4Gs, tankers, and other support aircraft during the height of the campaign.
After initial planning discussions with US Central Command Air Forces (CENTAF) on integrating 7440th airpower, CENTAF sent the wing an order using the MTO technique. The wing’s orders were to open a second Iraqi front when able (the US did not yet have permission to fly combat missions in Iraq from Turkey), with three broad tasks: (1) deny sanctuary to the Iraqi air force by attacking Iraq’s northern air bases; (2) tie down Iraqi ground forces near the Turkish border; and (3) attack nuclear, biological, and chemical facilities in northern Iraq.
On 17 Jan 1991, Operation DESERT STORM began, and Turkey granted the US permission to fly Iraqi combat missions. Immediately, Brig Gen Downer’s wing executed interdiction, counterair (including suppression of enemy air defenses), surveillance and reconnaissance, electromagnetic warfare, aerial refueling, and rescue missions in support of its tasks. Ultimately, CENTAF retained authority over the wing’s operational plans and authority to task by exception. However, IAW the mission command philosophy and his assigned operation, Brig Gen Downer operated with commander’s intent—task accomplishment was left to him. For his wing’s tasks, he issued orders. In accordance with his intent, the 7440th’s mission commanders planned strike packages four to seven days in advance for northern Iraq missions.
Why it matters today: As units of action advance their C2 capabilities, air component commanders may choose to exercise Distributed Control through air task forces (ATFs) or combat wings. The 7440th Composite Wing provides a doctrinal guidepost for distributed control because the 7440th had the authority, capability, and capacity to conduct the entire C2 process for its assigned operation. Brig Gen Downer and his staff planned, prepared, executed, and assessed their operations with distributed authority from the CENTAF commander. Therefore, JTF Proven Force represents a practical example of a decentralized operation conducted through the mission command philosophy and framework. To learn more on our doctrine concerning mission command, see Air Force Doctrine Publication 1-1, Mission Command, available on our website. Please also listen to our latest podcast with Col Gabe Arrington devoted to command and control and mission command on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, or at www.doctrine.af.mil.