Which Air Force core function is associated with AFDP 3-01 Counterair Operations?

Which Air Force core function is associated with AFDP 3-01 Counterair Operations?

• A. Global Strike
• B. Cyber Operations
• C. Counterspace Operations
• D. Air Superiority

Answer: (D)

Counterair Operations focus on gaining and maintaining control of the air by denying the enemy the ability to threaten friendly air operations. This is the essence of Air Superiority, whose goal is to ensure freedom of action in the air and space battlespace. Counterair covers both offensive actions against enemy air and missiles and defensive actions to protect friendly forces, enabling all other operations to proceed with reduced threat. The other options describe different lines of effort—Global Strike targets distant, strategic targets; Cyber Operations deals with cyberspace; Counterspace Operations handles space-based threats. None of those centers on controlling the air, so Counterair is best understood as a component of Air Superiority.

Counterair Operations focus on gaining and maintaining control of the air by denying the enemy the ability to threaten friendly air operations. This is the essence of Air Superiority, whose goal is to ensure freedom of action in the air and space battlespace. Counterair covers both offensive actions against enemy air and missiles and defensive actions to protect friendly forces, enabling all other operations to proceed with reduced threat. The other options describe different lines of effort—Global Strike targets distant, strategic targets; Cyber Operations deals with cyberspace; Counterspace Operations handles space-based threats. None of those centers on controlling the air, so Counterair is best understood as a component of Air Superiority.