Joint Pub 3-14 (Draft) (3.3 MB PDF)

a. Doctrine, and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures, and guidance established in this publication apply to the commanders of combatant commands and US Element NORAD, subunified commands, joint task forces (JTFs), and subordinate components of these commands. These principles and guidance also may apply when significant forces of one Service are attached to forces of another Service or when significant forces of one Service support forces of another Service.

b. The guidance in this publication is authoritative; as such this doctrine, and selected tactics, techniques, and procedures will be followed except when, in the judgment of the commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. If conflicts arise between the contents of this publication and the contents of Service publications, this publication will take precedence for the activities of joint forces unless the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, normally in coordination with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has provided more current and specific guidance. Commanders of forces operating as part of a multinational (alliance or coalition) military command should follow multinational doctrine and guidance ratified by the United States. For doctrine and procedures not ratified by the United States, commanders should evaluate and follow the multinational command’s doctrine and procedures, where applicable.

· Describes a Foundation for Military Space Operations Doctrine

· Describes Characteristics and Constraints of the Military Space Operations Environment

· Outlines Doctrine for Joint Space Operations

· Outlines Joint Space Force Tactics, Techniques and Procedures

· Establishes Procedures for Space Support to the Warfighter

A Foundation for Military Space Operations Doctrine

Space Support to the Warfighter

1. The Need for Military Space Operations Doctrine

1. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the need for joint space doctrine. The use of space capabilities has proven to be a significant force multiplier when integrated into joint operations. However, to accomplish this, we must work to obtain a universal understanding of how space forces and space capabilities contribute to joint operations, and how military space operations should be used to support all CINCs (combatant commanders) and warfighters to ensure we achieve US National security objectives.
   
2. The exploitation of space capabilities by our military has come a long way since the first military satellites were orbited. Continuous improvements in space technology have led to the development of more advanced space systems.
   

· Military, civil and commercial sectors of the US are increasingly dependent on space capabilities, and this dependence can be viewed by our adversaries as a potential vulnerability.

· US centers of gravity, such as our space capabilities, are potential targets, especially our ground assets and its supporting infrastructure, for adversaries with the means to attack them, much as their space centers of gravity are likely US military targets. Dependence on space capabilities will possibly lead to space warfare, and mandates that the US be able to protect our space assets (and those of our allies), and deny use of those of our adversaries. Space capabilities are based on complex systems that include the following: ground stations; launch facilities; satellite production, checkout, and storage facilities; uplink and downlinks to space systems; and systems in space (both manned and unmanned).

· Joint space doctrine must recognize the need to anticipate hostile actions attempting to deny us access to or use of our space capabilities.

· We should also anticipate the proliferation and increasing sophistication of space capabilities and products with military utility which could be used by an adversary for hostile purposes. Potential adversaries no longer have to develop the infrastructure to obtain space capabilities; today they can purchase needed space capabilities.

3. Space forces can no longer be viewed as simply an extension of air, land and sea forces. Instead, space must be viewed as a fourth operating medium and a region where space forces operate. Space systems can provide a unique capability that offers a tremendous force multiplier and potential for future independent force applications. To realize the global advantages provided by space forces, joint forces must understand the applications of space systems, have unhindered access to space, use the full potential of space forces, and be able to deny an adversary access to space and use of space systems.
   
4. This doctrine will aid the exploitation of US space power by establishing principles for the integrated employment of space capabilities in joint operations. It establishes a framework for the integration of space operations into joint campaigns, operations, and tactics.

3. Space Force Command Responsibilities

1. During the late 1970s, the importance of military space operations became more widely recognized and, with the expansion of space forces, the need for a space force commander became apparent.
   

· Title X requires a combatant commander (not a Service or agency chief) or Commander, US Element NORAD to employ forces in combat. In accordance with Title X, Services organize, train, equip, and provide forces to CINCs to employ in combat. Services today organize, train, equip and provide space forces for USCINCSPACE to employ in combat.

· The requirements for a global perspective and space expertise made it advisable for space operations missions be assigned to USCINCSPACE.

· The joint nature of space operations (every Service and every CINC depends on support from space) made a specified command structure illogical.

2. United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), a unified combatant command, was activated on 23 September 1985, establishing a single operational military organization to oversee and operate virtually all Department of Defense (DOD) space forces. USSPACECOM does not operate space systems assigned to national agencies, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or those owned by civilian corporations, and international consortiums (INTELSAT and INMARSAT).
   
3. USSPACECOM operates assigned space forces through its space component commands -- US Army Space Command (USARSPACE), Naval Space Command (NAVSPACECOM), and the Air Force Space component (AFSPACE).

4. USCINCSPACE maintains combatant command (COCOM) of DOD space forces as outlined in the Forces For Unified Commands and Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP). In addition, as assigned by the Unified Command Plan (UCP), USSPACECOM provides military representation to US national, commercial, and international agencies for military space operations. USCINCSPACE / USSPACECOM establishes agreements with these organizations in order to obtain and optimize all available space capabilities to meet CINC and US National Security requirements. As the single point of contact for military space operational matters, USCINCSPACE / USSPACECOM integrates and synchronizes space capabilities to ensure the most effective use of these global resources. The supported JFC is normally responsible for fielding and deploying necessary land, sea, air, and space forces and integrating them into joint operations.
   
5. Normally, USCINCSPACE functions in a supporting role to other CINCs/Joint Force Commanders (JFCs). However, in accordance with Joint Pub 0-2, Unified Action Armed Forces, USCINCSPACE can be either a supported or supporting commander.

· Because space capabilities are integral to the total force package at all levels of conflict, USCINCSPACE’s role is better described as an integrating CINC.

· The number of technological advances in space capabilities, the proliferation of space systems, and the increasing numbers of civil, commercial and military users dictates that USCINCSPACE, the single point of contact for military space operational matters, commands assigned forces in the region of space. As an integrating CINC, USCINCSPACE will ensure space capabilities – civil, commercial, international, and military – are integrated into joint operations to meet the needs of all CINCs.

1. Space: There are several different ways to describe the area beyond the Earth’s atmosphere:
   

· Space: The operational medium of space.

· Region of Space: The vast area that bounds the earth’s atmosphere and all geographic AORs. The question of exactly where this region begins is problematic due to the unevenness of the Earth’s atmosphere, the concern over potential questions of overflight of sovereign territory, and the need to ensure a seamless coordination of atmospheric and exo-atmospheric military operations. More important than a specific starting point, the region of space should be thought of as the area where man-made space systems operate. Just as in other geographic regions, the United States has significant national military, civil, and commercial interests and investments in the region of space. Those national interests and investments require a regional strategy to ensure they are protected.

2. Space Forces: Systems and personnel employed to conduct military space operations. Such forces may be organic to the military, or they may be owned by civil or commercial entities and employed by the military to supplement their own capabilities in the conduct of military space operations.
   
3. Space Operations: All activities and operations associated with USSPACECOM’s execution of its space control and force application (space combat operations), force enhancement (combat support operations), and space support missions. Such operations are conducted from Earth to space, space to space, and space to Earth.
   
4. Space System: A system with at least one major functional component which operates in the region of space. It usually includes a space element (e.g., a spacecraft with at least one mission package), a terrestrial element (e.g., a satellite control ground station and mission data receiver), and a link element connecting the space and ground elements (uplink/downlink) and crosslinks (space to space).

"When we started our deployment, we had only the most rudimentary communications infrastructure in South-west Asia and the challenge of distance was daunting. Thanks to good planning and to our understanding of the importance of satellites, we quickly and smoothly transitioned to a mature tactical theater network."

General Colin Powell, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, DOD Report to Congress, Conduct of the Persian Gulf War, Vol II, April 92

5. Space Weather: The conditions and effects in the region of space and specifically in the near-earth environment which may affect space assets or space operations. Space environment may impact various DoD, civil, commercial and international space systems including ground based and satellite communications, navigation, radar, weather, imaging, and surveillance systems. Space phenomena such as solar flare activity, ionospheric variability, energetic particle events, and geophysical events, have impacts which can have dramatic effects on space capabilities and affect military operations. Space weather monitoring, forecasting, and warning capabilities can be used to support the warfighter and improve his battlespace awareness.

Military space operations are continuous and non-intrusive -- they take place 24 hours a day, year round. In the advent of crisis or conflict, space systems, already fully operational, can be retasked or reoriented should priorities so allow.

· The military capabilities offered by space forces should be integrated by the JFC into specific joint offensive and defensive operations, campaign planning and into the concept of operations of their CONPLANs/OPLANs.

· The integration of military space capabilities to support specific joint operations and tactics is dynamic and varies with each situation.

· It is usually contingent upon the supported commander to deploy ground-based equipment required to receive, process, and disseminate products provided by space forces, as well as to train personnel in the use of space systems. For example, space forces may provide missile warning information from space- based surveillance systems, but the supported commander must receive this information, integrate it with information from other warning and surveillance assets, and use the information in support of missile defense operations. Each regional CINC has a USSPACECOM LNO organic to his staff to facilitate the use of space systems as well as a Joint Space Support Team and Space Component Commands Support Teams that can deploy to the regional CINCs area of operations and provide additional support needed. Space forces normally support multiple customers, requiring extensive coordination and integration of requirements and capabilities. Support may involve multiple CINCs, national agencies or non-military users. For example, space-based navigation systems (e.g., GPS) not only support military users, but also support civil and commercial users, restricting the military’s ability to alter system accuracy to affect enemy users. The UCP also assigns USSPACECOM the Presidential authority and responsibility to provide military representation to US national, commercial and international agencies for military space operations. DoD and USSPACECOM will partner with these organizations in order to obtain needed space capabilities to support US national security interests and meet CINC requirements. As the single point of contact for military space operational matters, USCINCSPACE will deconflict, prioritize, integrate and synchronize space capabilities in support of the supported CINC(s) and national security requirements. The Joint Staff will adjudicate as appropriate. A satellite’s mission and function largely determines the orbit type. For example, high resolution weather satellites are normally placed in low-Earth orbits to provide the required resolution, while early warning satellites that must view a given area continuously are most efficiently operated at geosynchronous altitudes.

· Geostationary, semi-synchronous, and sun-synchronous orbits are all key orbits for Earth observation and space system placement (Appendix G, Orbital Characteristics). There is often confusion between 12 hour orbits and semi-synchronous orbits. The 12 hour Molniya orbits have an orbit of half a day, but they reach nearly geosynchronous altitudes.

GPS satellites are in 12 hour orbits that are circular and at half geosynchronous altitude.

· Since an orbit is designed for a satellite to accomplish a particular mission, satellites tend to cluster in bands that everyone, both friendly and potentially adversarial, uses for the same reasons. For example, there are lots of satellites in sun- synchronous belts, geostationary belts, etc. (see Appendix G, Orbital Characteristics). This "clustering tendency" requires space forces to consider capabilities that enable them to control these orbits by force.

· Satellites cannot be "parked" over any arbitrary region. However, a needed capability over the region may be available 24 hours, year round by orbiting a large constellation of satellites.

· Joint force commanders (JFCs) and their staffs must be educated in space forces capabilities and employment.

· In turn, commanders of space forces must educate and train their people as to how space forces contribute to the accomplishment of joint operations.

· Space forces personnel must also understand the needs of the forces they support.

· Lastly, commanders of space forces must make the use of space capabilities more accessible, understandable, and useable. USSPACECOM LNOs, attached to Regional CINCs, JSSTs/SSTs, the USSPACECOM Space Operations Center (SPOC) and the component operations centers are prepared to facilitate joint operations across the spectrum of conflict.

5. The friction and uncertainty of warfare can be significantly lessened through the support provided by space forces. Space capabilities provide the ability to rapidly see, hear, understand information anywhere in the world and exploit the battlespace anywhere in the world. They are particularly valuable in remote locations with little or no support infrastructure. Information derived from space systems, available in ever increasing quantity and quality, has become crucial to the conduct of modern warfare. In addition, the ability to control space and use force application systems to deter, protect space systems, and defeat hostile or aggressive acts against space systems will ensure these invaluable space systems remain available to meet US national security and CINC requirements, in support of JFCs and to support global freedom of action in space.

General: JFCs and space force commanders must consider the following guidelines when planning and executing military operations and requesting space assets and/or capabilities:

· Train using the principles of employment in all exercises and wargames.

· Understand how others use space systems to support military and civilian operations (such as GPS use to support civil aviation). · Adhere to established disclosure procedures governing the release of information concerning and derived from space assets.

· Maintain an awareness of space forces support resources and operational status.

· Understand how and why space capabilities are integrated into military operations.

· Maintains an awareness of the space environment and the potential impacts on space systems and operations.

1. General: Space Control can be aligned with space combat operations and is the means by which space superiority is gained and maintained to assure friendly forces can use the space environment while denying its use to the enemy. To accomplish this, space forces must survey space, protect the ability to use space, prevent adversaries from exploiting US or allied space services, and negate the ability for adversaries to exploit their space forces. Controlling the space medium involves activities conducted by land, sea, air, space, information and/or special operations forces. As a supported CINC, USCINCSPACE may find he is achieving his space control/space superiority objectives through the use of conventional weapons (e.g. fighter-attack aircraft, land attack missiles) provided through supporting CINCs. This use of conventional forces would be brought to bear against space related facilities identified by USCINCSPACE’s Joint Targeting Coordination Board (JTCB). Space control operations will provide freedom of action in space for friendly forces, and, when directed, deny the same freedom to the enemy. They include offensive and defensive operations by friendly forces to gain and maintain space superiority in the space region, and also involve maintaining situational awareness of events in space.
   
2. Functions: Space control operations include protection, prevention, and negation functions.

·· Disruption is the temporary impairment (diminished value or strength) of the utility of space systems, usually without physical damage to the space system. These operations include the delaying of critical, perishable operational data to an adversary.

·· Denial is the temporary elimination (total removal) of the utility of the space systems, usually without physical damage. This objective can be accomplished by such measures as denying electrical power to the space ground nodes or computer centers where data and information are processed and stored. For example, denying our adversaries position navigation information could significantly inhibit their operations.

·· Degradation is the permanent impairment of the utility of space systems, usually with physical damage. This option includes attacks against ground nodes and capabilities, as well as attacks against satellite systems (e.g. solar cells). It may also include the use of information warfare techniques and tools to accomplish USCINCSPACE’s war objectives either to control space or to support regional CINCs.

·· Destruction is the permanent elimination of the utility of space systems. This last option includes special operations forces (SOF) missions to interdict critical ground nodes; use of attacks to destroy uplink/downlink facilities, electrical power stations, and telecommunications facilities; and attacks against mobile space elements, as well as destruction of satellites or systems in space.

3. Principles of Employment

2. Force Enhancement

1. General: Force enhancement operations are aligned with combat support operations and multiply joint force effectiveness by enhancing battlespace awareness and providing needed warfighter support. They provide significant advantage by reducing confusion inherent in combat situations. They also improve the lethality of air, land, sea, and space forces. Appendices A through E discusses combat support operations in greater detail.
   
2. Functions:
   

· Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Monitoring terrestrial (air, land and sea) areas of interest from space can help reveal enemy location, disposition and intention, both in a tactical and strategic sense. Such information provides warning of enemy attack (such as a ballistic missile attack, which can be detected early by space-based sensors), BDA, and feedback on how well we are affecting the enemy’s understanding of the battlespace. Dissemination down to user warfighter level must be timely; use of the most expeditious means is critical.

· Environmental Monitoring: Space forces provide data on meteorological, oceanographic, and space environmental factors which might affect operations in the four operational media. Additionally, space forces provide forecasts, alerts, and warnings of conditions in the space medium. Knowledge of these factors allows forces to avoid adverse environmental conditions (such as poor surface conditions or severe weather) while taking advantage of other conditions to enhance operations. Such monitoring also provides information to aid the commander in deducing what the enemy might or might not be able to do. Technologies such as multi-spectral imagery (MSI) provide joint force planners with current information on surface conditions (such as surface trafficability and beach conditions, vegetation, and land use).

· Communications: The medium of space offers many unique communications advantages that allow the JFC to shape the battlespace more quickly than the enemy. Using military satellite communications (MILSATCOM), as well as civil, commercial and international systems, the JFC can disseminate plans, orders, and force status over long distances, increasing command and control effectiveness, especially in areas with limited or no communications infrastructure.

· Imagery/Global Geospatial Information and Services (GGI&S): Satellite multi-spectral imagery provides the best current information available to update and supplement existing maps. This information can help identify sites suitable for joint operations and help ensure all joint forces involved have a common understanding of the terrain.

· Positioning, Navigation and Timing: Space forces provide precise, reliable position and timing information which permit combatant forces to more effectively plan, train, coordinate, and execute operations.

3. Principles of Employment: The needs of the supported commander are the critical factors in conducting combat support operations. However, the responsibility for meeting these needs belongs to both the supported commander and space forces.

· Offensive: Mission Planning and Rehearsal: Information from space forces helps planners to determine targets, enemy avenues of approach and attack, friendly axis of advance, specific ingress and egress routes, and other mission parameters. This information, coupled with up-to-date terrain information from satellite imagery, should be used with mission training tools which allow forces to walk through or pre-fly the mission to facilitate and refine mission planning. Space capabilities are assets for force projection.

· Security: The unique advantages of global coverage, wide fields of view, and the capability to revisit targets make observation of the earth from space a powerful tool. Space forces can have access to any point on Earth, and proper management of satellite orbits and constellations offers overflight flexibility. This allows the supported commander to observe the entire area of interest and increase battlespace awareness, reducing the commander’s uncertainty.

· Simplicity: The UCP assigns USSPACECOM as the single POC for all military space operational matters, making it easier for commanders to obtain space support.

· Maneuver:

· Mass:

· Unity of Command:

1. General: Space support operations consist of operations which deploy, augment, sustain and replenish space forces, including the configuration of command and control structures for space operations. Although conducted predominantly by USCINCSPACE and Space Component Commanders, space support operations are also performed by the supported commander, such as managing allocated SATCOM assets and capacity. Space Support functions are also often provided by outside agencies such as NRO, NASA, NOAA, and commercial contractors. A space force commander may be designated to assist the supported commander.
   
2. Functions: Space support operations consist of spacelift, satellite operations or telemetry, tracking and commanding (TT&C), spare activation, and space surveillance. Space surveillance is conducted to monitor, detect, identify, track, assess, verify, categorize, and characterize space objects and events to support space operations. Surveillance activities support space control targeting, BDA, and fratricide avoidance, as well as space support operations (e.g. placement of satellites in orbit). Space surveillance supports space control protection by identifying and tracking potential threats. Space surveillance also supports intelligence by providing overflight warning and space order of battle status.
   
3. Principles of Employment: Space support operations, whether conducted by theater or space forces, must be responsive and tailor to individual joint operations or campaigns.