What is the role of the Combat Operations Division within the AOC?

The Combat Operations Division within the Air Operations Center (AOC) is primarily responsible for the execution and management of air operations. This role involves coordinating and controlling air missions to ensure they align with the overarching operational objectives. The division oversees the planning and execution stages, making real-time adjustments based on the evolving combat situation while ensuring the effective integration of air power within the broader joint force framework.

The execution aspect includes directing aircraft to execute specific missions, managing task assignments to various air units, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet operational demands. This division plays a critical role in ensuring that all aspects of air operations are synchronized and adhere to the established campaign plans.

Other options, while pertinent to various functions within the AOC or military operations, focus on specific areas not directly tied to the centralized execution and management of air operations. For instance, air mobility planning primarily concerns the transport and logistics aspects of air operations rather than the direct management and execution. Gathering intelligence and ISR is crucial, but it falls under the purview of different divisions focused on intelligence rather than operations management. Lastly, developing strategies for air defense is specialized and focuses on defensive tactics rather than the execution of air operations as a whole. Therefore, the role of the Combat Operations Division distinctly aligns