Completed the course “Air Command and Control Execution” necessary to operate within the Combat Plan and Combat Operations divisions of JFAC structures Purpose of the course. Last January 25th, the Air Command and Control Execution course concluded at the Air Operation Training Centre (AOTC) of the Air Operations Command (COA) in Poggio Renatico (FE), providing the participants with the knowledge necessary to operate within the “Combat Plans” and “Combat operations” divisions of JFAC (Joint Force Air Component) structures. The JFAC It is a command and control structure that is activated, as needed, during a crisis. Its task is to plan, develop, assign, and conduct aerial missions in accordance with the directives issued by the Defense. In peacetime, the permanent structure is called the “Core JFAC.” The Italian Core JFAC, located at the COA, has the task of developing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be used in the event of activation. The Core JFAC consists of a small number of personnel. For this reason, in the event of activation, it requires adequate reinforcements in terms of appropriately trained personnel. Course delivery. After a first module of face-to-face lessons focused on the structure and processes of the JFAC and a cycle of lessons and practical activities related to the use of the ICC (Integrated Command and Control Software for Air Operations) system, the 17 participants put into practice the procedures learned through an exercise that involved them in the development and execution of an Air Tasking Order (ATO). The practical phase. In the simulated operation, the use of all the Operational Capabilities made available by the Italian Defence were considered, focusing on those of the Air Force: Air Defence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Precision Attack, Mobility and Transport, and Search and Rescue. Particular emphasis was placed on the procedures for the joint use of 4th and 5th generation assets. The course concluded with a meeting with the COA Commander, Air Division General Antonio Conserva, who emphasized the high motivation and professionalism shown by the participants.
The Air Operation Training Centre (AOTC) It was created in 2010 and is based in Poggio Renatico. The main mission of the AOTC is to train and prepare personnel for the Defense that will be employed in a Joint Force Air Component (JFAC), national or multinational. In addition, other activities include support and participation in national and multinational exercises and operations.
