Military and Strategic Studies 251

Airpower and Joint Operations Strategy

Syllabus – Fall 2018
USAFA Mission: to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead
the United States Air Force in service to our nation.

Department of Military and Strategic Studies Mission: to educate future officers in

concepts of military strategy, contemporary operations, and the integration of
air, space, and cyberspace power.

Lt Col Jack Nelson

Course Director
Department of Military and Strategic Studies
(719) 333-6056
jack.nelson@usafa.edu

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 Course Purpose and Philosophy

MSS 251 prepares cadets to plan for and solve complex problems in pursuit of national security interests
through the integration and application of multi-domain joint warfighting concepts with a particular focus
on air, space, and cyber power across the range of military operations. The course of instruction builds
comprehension of the context, theory, and application of United States’ employment of the military
instrument of power to promote and advance national interests and objectives.

Course Objectives

1. Describe the context and application of military theory, principles of war, Air Force and joint doctrine,
and US strategy.
2. Apply operational and strategic art across the range of military operations and be able to analyze
alternative approaches to operations while recognizing the associated national security implications.
3. Analyze organizational relationships within the national defense enterprise and be able to describe the
application of Air Force capabilities and how they relate to and complement other Service capabilities
in the joint operating environment.
4. Describe the evolution of strategic theory and technology regarding air, space, and cyberspace, and its
influence on potential areas of conflict and cooperation.

Required Readings

1. Burke, R., Fowler, M., & McCaskey, K., Eds. Military Strategy, Joint Operations, and Airpower.
Georgetown University Press. August 2018. (MSJO&A)

Grading Criteria

Event Points Percentage

GR 1 200 20%

GR 2 200 20%

IP points 100 10%

PROG 500 50%

Operational Design Group Briefings 150 15%

Final Paper 250 25%

IP points 100 10%

CLASS TOTAL 1000 100%

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 Supported Outcomes

All USAFA courses support CJCSI, USAFA, Department, and Congressional directed outcomes. MSS 251 is
tasked for USAFA National Security and Warrior Ethos outcomes and DFMI outcomes per the chart below:

MSS 251: Airpower & Joint Strategy

USAFA
OUTCOMES
National PROFICIENCIES ARTIFACT 1 EXPECT RESULT ARTIFACT 2 EXPECTATION RESULT
Security 7: Describe the evolution of strategic theory and GR 1 50% > C Ops Design 50%=> B-
(Intermediate) technology regarding air, space, and cyberspace and its Brief
influence on potential areas of conflict and cooperation
8. Apply operational and strategic art across the range of Ops Design 50% > C Final Paper 50%=> B-
military operations; analyze alternative approaches to Brief
operations and recognize the associated national security
implications
9. Describe the concepts and application of military GR 2 50% > C Final Paper 50%=> B-
theory, principles of war, Air Force and joint doctrine,
and US strategy
10. Describe the application of Air Force capabilities and GR 1 50% > C Final Paper 50%=> B-
how they relate to and complement other Service
capabilities in the joint operating environment. Analyze
organizational relationships within the national defense
enterprise
Warrior Ethos PROFICIENCIES
(Intermediate 1. Comprehend the military profession of arms GR 2 50 % > C+ Final Paper 50%=> B-
2. Critically examine the profession of arms and the GR 2 50% > C Ops Design 50%=> B-
nature of war through multiple perspectives Brief
5. Exhibit grit: a hardiness of spirit and resistance to Ops Design 50% > C Wargame 50%=> B-
accept failure despite physical and mental hardships Brief Lab
7. Explain the role of continuously honing physical, GR 2 50% > C Ops Design 50%=> B-
mental and professional skills in supporting the ability to Brief
employ military capabilities
DFMI PROFICIENCIES
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
1. Strategic LP 1A: Apply processes, concepts and theories in order GR 2 50% > C- Final Paper 50%=> B-
Problem to evaluate and synthesize solutions
Solving: Apply LP 1B: Analyze socio-economic, military, political, Ops Design 50% > C- Final Paper 50%=> B-
Informed information, & technological contexts in order to inform Brief
reasoning to problem-framing and solutions
critically
assess and
solve a
complex,
contemporary
military
problem
2. Given a 2a. Analyze and apply strategic concepts, theories, GR 2 50% > C- Final Paper 50%=> B-
national service and joint doctrine, principles, and capabilities to a
security national security problem set
problem set, 2b. Explain the structure, functions, roles and GR 1 50% > C Final Paper 50%=> B-
create an responsibilities of the joint force as it relates to the
operational National Security apparatus
solution that
synchronizes
Air, Space,
Cyber, and
Joint
capabilities.

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 Block Overview
Lesson Topic Lab Readings *SEE NOTE BELOW
Block 1: National Security, Defense, and the Joint Force
1 Course Introduction Course Syllabus
2 National Security Structure, Lab 1: Investigate NSS, NDS, NMS in Nat Sec. Leadersihp Primer
Organization, and Interests context of contemporary env. NWC NSS Primer pp. 1-11
3 The Big Stick: Military as an Optional EI, follow on discussions Cohen, Ch. 1, pp. 1-21
Instrument of National Power MSS Military Services Primer
4 The Joint Force: Combatant Lab 2: Design a JTF for application to MSJO&A Ch. 14
Commands and the JTF a contemporary problem
5 Army Optional EI, follow on discussions MSJO&A Ch. 15 pp. 194-199
US Army Primer
6 Navy & Coast Guard Lab 3: USA/USN/USCG Capabilities MSJO&A Ch. 15 pp. 199-202
US Navy/CG Primer
7 Air Force Optional EI, follow on discussions MSJO&A Ch. 15 pp. 202-204
US Air Force Primer
8 Marines Lab 4: USAF/USMC Capabilities MSJO&A Ch. 15 pp. 204-207
US Marine Corps Primer
9 Special Forces Optional Lab: Graded Review Prep MSJO&A Ch. 16
CRS U.S. SOF Background…
10 Graded Review #1 None
Block 2: Airpower – Capabilities and Effects
11 Airpower MSJO&A Ch. 7
12 Space Lab 5: Air and Space Capabilities MSJO&A Ch. 12
13 Cyber MSJO&A Ch. 13
14 ISR Lab 6: Cyber and ISR Capabilities MSJO&A Ch. 8; Ch. 18
15 Nuclear Weapons and Missile Optional EI, follow on discussions CRS US Strategic Nuclear
Defense Forces…1-9, 30-43 (skim)
16 Airpower Theory and Strategy 1 Optional EI, follow on discussions MSJO&A Ch. 6
17 Airpower Theory and Strategy 2 Lab 7: Airpower Application MSJO&A Ch. 11
18 Creating Effects with Air, Space, Optional EI, follow on discussions MSJO&A Ch. 5
and Cyber Power
19 The Human Weapon System Optional Lab: Graded Review Prep MSJO&A Ch. 17
20 GR #2 None
Block 3: Operational Planning in the Joint Environment
21 What is Strategy? Lab 8: Cadet Strategy MSJO&A Ch. 1; Ch. 2
22 Prep for Island Rush wargame Optional EI, follow on discussions Wargame Materials
23 Military Strategy and the Range Lab 9: Three Block War (ROMO) MSJO&A Ch. 19; Ch. 20; Ch.
of Military Operations (ROMO) 21
24 Linking Strategy to Operations: Optional EI, follow on discussions MSJO&A Ch. 3 (skim); Ch.
Ops Design 23
25 Strategic Guidance: End States Lab 10: Draft Strategic Guidance MSJO&A Ch. 3, pp. 32-36
and Objectives (national/mil) including End States and Objectives
26 Operational Environment: PMESII Lab 11: Develop PMESII analysis MSJO&A Ch. 3, pp. 36-38
27 Problematic and Desired Lab 12: Where are you now? And MSJO&A Ch. 3, pp. 39-40
Conditions where do you want to be?
28 Center of Gravity Analysis Lab 13: Develop COG Analysis MSJO&A Ch. 3, pp. 40-45
29 Lines of Effort - Linking Ends, Lab 14: Develop LOEs for wargame MSJO&A Ch. 3, pp. 45-51
Means, Ways scenario MSJO&A Ch. 4
30 OPS DESIGN GROUP BRIEFS OPS DESIGN GROUP BRIEFS N/A
Block 4: Synthesyzing Joint Operations Strategy
31 STARTEX: Select Team Roles; Lab 15: Initial team planning and Wargame Materials
Scenario Distribution & Overview continued strategy development
32 Move #1 Move #1 Wargame Materials
33 Group Briefings Lab 16: Inject #1 / Team Planning Wargame Materials
34 Move #2 Move #2 Wargame Materials
35 Move #3 Lab 17: Inject #2 / Team Planning Wargame Materials
36 Group Briefings Move #1 Wargame Materials
37 Move #4 Lab 18: Inject #3 / Team Planning Wargame Materials
38 Move #5 Lab 19: ENDEX – Wargame Debrief N/A
39 FINAL PAPER – IN CLASS Lab 20: FINAL PAPER – IN CLASS N/A
40 Course Wrap-up / Feedback N/A N/A
*Readings outside the course book are located in Blackboard. Full citations available in “MSS251 Lesson Objectives” document

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 DESCRIPTION OF GRADED EVENTS

Graded Reviews: Cadets complete two Graded Reviews (GRs) during scheduled class periods. Graded
reviews are delivered online via Blackboard and consist of 50 multiple choice and/or true/false questions.
Except in an emergency, it is the cadet’s responsibility to inform the instructor in advance if he or she will
miss a GR so the necessary administrative arrangements can be made. GRs are individual effort events
worth 200 points each.

Operational Design Group Brief:

Groups: Instructors divide the class into four groups by the end of lesson four. The intent is for
each group to focus on a separate region of the world throughout the semester. On lesson 23, instructors
change focus from geographic commands and towards exploring the notional contemporary problem set
(the Island Rush game). As part of the shift, instructors will introduce the strategic wargame and ensure
materials are available to the cadets.
Brief: The Operational Design Group Brief assesses each cadet’s ability to apply their acquired
knowledge to a near-peer military problem (the strategic wargame) as a part of a team. When considering
the scenario, students need to consider all levels of strategy, beginning at the national level, through the
Combatant Command and Joint Task Force, and then to the component commands. 100 points are
assigned for the overall team performance, 50 points will be assigned for individual effort. A grading rubric
will be provided by your instructor.

Final Paper: The in-class paper is an essay-style team assignment that assesses the ability to critically
apply and synthesize the theories, concepts, models and discussions covered throughout the semester.
The paper articulates cadets’ summative understanding of how well their team applied the course material
throughout the strategy wargame. Completed on Blackboard, in class, and on Lesson 39 (double period),
the final paper is a team event worth 200 points. An additional 50 points will be assigned through a peer-
review assessment conducted individually on Blackboard. Grading rubrics are provided by your instructor.

Instructor Prerogative Points: Each instructor develops their own criteria for IP points. Instructors may
use homework assignments, in-class assignments, quizzes, presentations, annotated bibliographies, class
participation, something new and innovative, or any combination of these and other assessment
mechanisms as the basis for IP points. These mechansims can include individual or group graded events.
Your instructor will provide specifc guidance on his/her IP point expectations/requirements.

COURSE ADMINISTRATION AND POLICIES

DECORUM: The standards of appropriate cadet behavior and appearance do not cease in the classroom.
Poor appearance, disrespect toward your instructor and other students, chronic lack of preparedness and
sleeping in class are examples of behavior that will not be tolerated. Section marchers/XOs are
responsible for class conduct whenever the instructor is out of the room. Cadets will stand when an officer
or civilian faculty member enters the room or speaks with them before class. If a senior officer (Colonel
equivalent or above) enters the room during class, the first cadet to notice will call the room to attention.

INDIVIDUAL EFFORT: All graded academic work will comply with the policies contained in the
"Academics With Honor" letter. Unless otherwise noted, course assignments are individual effort
assignments. This is an academic norm, and is the default at the Academy.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: Cadets are expected to come to class prepared for each lesson. To do this,
accomplish all readings and assignments as specified by your instructor. Participation in class activities
demonstrates to your instructor that you are prepared, allows you to engage with the material being
discussed, and makes the educational experience more enjoyable.

COURSE BOOK: All cadets will purchase the assigned textbook Military Strategy, Joint Operations, and
Airpower from the Cadet Bookstore.

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COURSEWORK: Cadets are required to complete all assigned graded events to pass the course. Cadets
who earn enough points to earn a non-failing grade will still fail if a graded event is incomplete or handed
in late in an unsatisfactory manner.

ACADEMIC PENALTIES FOR LATE WORK: Unless otherwise specified, all projects are due at the
beginning of class on the day when the project is scheduled to be turned in. Cadets are penalized
if an assignment is late due to negligence. The academic penalty is a reduction as follows:

• Up to one calendar day late: -25% of the weight of the project **

• Up to two calendar days late: -50% of the weight of the project
• Up to three calendar days late: -75% of the weight of the project
• More than three calendar days late: -100% of the weight of the project

Please note that if an assignment is more than three days late, it can only receive a zero, but the
assignment must still be satisfactorally be completed or the cadet will receive an overall grade of
“Incomplete” for the course. If a cadet is scheduled for anything that may prevent him or her from turning
in an assignment, the assignment should be handed in early. Notify your instructor as soon as able if an
unplanned absence occurs.

** A “calendar day” is a 24 hour day. EX: If an assignment is due on Friday at 0730 and a cadet turns in
the assignment on Saturday at 0745, this constitutes a two day late penalty (over 24 hours late).

MAKE-UP GRADED EVENTS POLICY: Cadets are responsible for scheduling make-ups for any missed,
graded event. Cadets should cooridinate with instructors as soon as they learn of a planned absence
during a graded event or when a graded event is due.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND PLAGIARISM: You Must Distinguish Your Own Words and Ideas From the
Words and Ideas of Others. A principle objective of this course is to help cadets develop the skills involved
in presenting ideas clearly, succinctly, and in accordance with generally recognized rules of written and
oral expression. This means that original work—not that of others whose ideas or writings have
contributed to work—forms the performance evaluation basis. Failure to give credit for material taken
from other writers constitutes plagiarism—or passing off someone else's ideas or writings as your own.
Plagiarism is a serious academic and professional issue and can involve such actions as inaccurate
quoting, improper paraphrasing, or simply using another's ideas or writing and not documenting the
source. Changing a few words in a paragraph taken from a source and calling it paraphrasing is not
acceptable. When unsure, include a citation.

FORMATTING STANDARD: The USAFA standard documentation style for core courses is MLA. APA or
Chicago/Turabian styles are acceptable, just pick a style and be consistent.

EXTRA INSTRUCTION (EI): DFMI Instructors are committed to ensuring a quality learning experience
for all cadets in every MSS course. Being available for EI constitutes an important aspect of this
commitment. That said, EI comes with responsibilities for the learner as well. Any cadet seeking EI is
expected to have read the assigned material(s), know the syllabus guidance, and come armed with
specific questions. If a cadet shows up unprepared for EI, he or she should expect the EI session to be
rescheduled for another day. Cadets desiring extra instruction (EI) are highly encouraged to schedule an
appointment with their instructor in advance. Many instructors turn down EI requests one or two days
prior to a GR, paper, or project being due. Be proactive!