Effects-Based Operations

Operations Allied Force and Enduring Freedom are the only combat operations the Royal Danish Air Force has ever participated in with combat aircraft (F-16). The general perception is that the operations were highly successful for, and because of, the application of air power. The Danish Armed Forces are not joint within the national structure in spite of their small size. The philosophy is that jointness is achieved through combined operations. Each service has small, but, numerous internationally deployable assets. Consequently, these assets will always be part of a larger international contribution; thus the combined aspect will ensure jointness within the national structure. The Royal Danish Air Force has identified the US Air Force as its primary partner. The Danish philosophy of jointness through combined operations has resulted in a very air-centric way of perceiving operations within the Royal Danish Air Force because of the lack of influence from other services. By examining Effects-Based Operations through case studies of operations Allied Force and Enduring Freedom, I hope to present a different case to my fellow Danish Air Force colleagues than the general perception. Air power is not a military instrument of power to be used alone, but very dependent on support from other services and branches. Finally, I expect my research for this paper to be valuable in my next assignment. After successful completion of the Air Command and Staff College, I am assigned to the Expeditionary Air Staff as a part of the A3 (operations) cell. I will be heavily involved in planning and execution of air operations, primarily with our American partners. This will no doubt require a profound understanding of the capabilities and limitations of air power as well as an appreciation for the joint environment.