Which statement best describes the aim of Agile Combat Employment (ACE)?

Which statement best describes the aim of Agile Combat Employment (ACE)?

• A. To standardize air base operations.
• B. To maximize centralized control of assets.
• C. To increase survivability while generating airpower.
• D. To minimize the use of airpower.

Answer: (C)

ACE focuses on making airpower more survivable and capable of persisting in contested environments by dispersing operations across multiple locations and employing agile, decentralized command and control. This approach reduces vulnerability to enemy threats that target a single base and keeps airpower flowing through flexible basing and rapid reconstitution. The aim described here—enhancing survivability while continuing to project airpower—best fits the concept. Standardizing air base operations clashes with the idea of dispersal and adaptability. Centralized control runs counter to the decentralized, autonomous decision-making that dispersed operations require. Minimizing airpower would defeat the purpose of ACE, which is to maintain or increase airpower in the face of threats.

ACE focuses on making airpower more survivable and capable of persisting in contested environments by dispersing operations across multiple locations and employing agile, decentralized command and control. This approach reduces vulnerability to enemy threats that target a single base and keeps airpower flowing through flexible basing and rapid reconstitution. The aim described here—enhancing survivability while continuing to project airpower—best fits the concept. Standardizing air base operations clashes with the idea of dispersal and adaptability. Centralized control runs counter to the decentralized, autonomous decision-making that dispersed operations require. Minimizing airpower would defeat the purpose of ACE, which is to maintain or increase airpower in the face of threats.