Military operations in the 21st century are highly complex and require detailed planning across components to be both effective and efficient. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the need for airspace control in varying levels of conflict, from major operations and campaigns to stability operations. We share airspace during military operations with civil users, nongovernmental organizations, coalition military forces, and host nation users. We must ensure the safety of all users, even if combat operations are ongoing while civil aviation continues. The doctrine outlined in this document enables combat effectiveness while promoting the safe, efficient, and flexible use of airspace with a minimum of restraint placed upon airspace users. Our doctrine for airspace control rests upon the Air Force tenet of centralized control and decentralized execution. The Air Force theater air control system provides the commander, Air Force forces the ability to conduct theater-wide air operations and typically forms the backbone of the theater air ground system. This system integrates the efforts of all components to maximize the efficiency of air operations throughout the theater. The joint force commander (JFC) normally designates the commander of Air Force forces as the joint force air component commander, airspace control authority, and area air defense commander. The air component commander, as the airspace control authority, develops the airspace control plan (ACP) on behalf of the JFC. The airspace control authority cannot restrict combat operations by other components. However, should the JFC decide to enact restrictions on air operations during certain phases of the operation, the ACP will detail those restrictions. The ACP, when signed by the JFC, contains policies and procedures that flow directly from the JFC's authority. Our doctrine is broadly stated to fit varying levels of contingencies and diverse geographical areas, while encompassing joint and multinational operations. Study it, discuss it, and be ready to recommend improvements to it based upon your unique experiences. We must be able to articulate the unique contributions Airmen make to provide a safe, reliable, and flexible environment for all friendly airspace users. Air Force Doctrine Document (AFDD) 3-52, Airspace Control, is the Air Force's foundational doctrinal publication on Air Force airspace control operations and organization. AFDD 3-52 presents Air Force-sanctioned ideas, lessons learned, and best practices to help Airmen conceptualize and articulate their role in airspace control operations. The publication introduces and develops the Air Force's role in integrating controlling agencies and joint airspace users into the theater-wide mission of the joint force commander. It establishes the foundations for developing Air Force education on airspace control and the subsequent development of sound tactics, techniques, and procedures.

In war, defeating an enemy's force is often a necessary step on the path to victory. Defeating enemy armies is a difficult task that often comes with a high price tag in terms of blood and treasure. With its inherent speed, range, and flexibility, air and space power offers a way to lower that risk by providing commanders a synergistic tool that can provide a degree of control over the surface environment and render enemy forces ineffective before they meet friendly land forces. Modern air and space power directly affects an adversary's ability to initiate, conduct, and sustain ground combat.

In the pantheon of air power spokesmen, Giulio Douhet holds center stage. His writings, more often cited than perhaps actually read, appear as excerpts and aphorisms in the writings of numerous other air power spokesmen, advocates-and critics. Though a highly controversial figure, the very controversy that surrounds him offers to us a testimonial of the value and depth of his work, and the need for airmen today to become familiar with his thought. The progressive development of air power to the point where, today, it is more correct to refer to aerospace power has not outdated the notions of Douhet in the slightest In fact, in many ways, the kinds of technological capabilities that we enjoy as a global air power provider attest to the breadth of his vision. Douhet, together with Hugh “Boom” Trenchard of Great Britain and William “Billy” Mitchell of the United States, is justly recognized as one of the three great spokesmen of the early air power era. This reprint is offered in the spirit of continuing the dialogue that Douhet himself so perceptively began with the first edition of this book, published in 1921. Readers may well find much that they disagree with in this book, but also much that is of enduring value. The vital necessity of Douhet’s central vision-that command of the air is all important in modern warfare-has been proven throughout the history of wars in this century, from the fighting over the Somme to the air war over Kuwait and Iraq.

General Kenney Reports is a classic account of a combat commander in action. General George Churchill Kenney arrived in the South- west Pacific theater in August 1942 to find that his command, if not in a shambles, was in dire straits. The theater commander, General Douglas MacArthur, had no confidence in his air element. Kenney quickly changed this situation. He organized and energized the Fifth Air Force, bringing in operational commanders like Whitehead and Wurtsmith who knew how to run combat air forces. He fixed the logistical swamp, making supply and maintenance supportive of air operations, and encouraging mavericks such as Pappy Gunn to make new and innovative weapons and to explore new tactics in airpower application. The result was a disaster for the Japanese. Kenney's airmen used air power-particularly heavily armed B-25 Mitchell bombers used as commerce destroyers-to savage Japanese supply lines, destroying numerous ships and effectively isolating Japanese garrisons. The classic example of Kenney in action was the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, which marked the attainment of complete Allied air dominance and supremacy over Japanese naval forces operating around New Guinea. In short, Kenney was a brilliant, innovative airman, who drew on his own extensive flying experiences to inform his decision-making. General Kenney Reports is a book that has withstood the test of time, and which should be on the shelf of every airman.

The Style Guide, part one of this publication, provides guidance to Air University's community of writers. It offers a coherent, consistent stylistic base for writing and editing. The Author Guide part two of this publication, offers simple, concise instructions to writers who wish to submit a manuscript to AUPress for consideration.