"This chapter explores the leadership practices of Mission Commanders.
The major focus is on key features in leadership practices that contribute to effective
samhandling in the execution of Composite Air Operations and handling of
unexpected events. “Aerial warfare” is the term used to describe the use of military
aircraft and other aeronautical equipment in warfare. Air power has become the
preferred instrument for politicians and commanders to achieve strategic and operational
objectives across a spectrum of conflicts, ranging from humanitarian aid to
combat action. Air campaigns like OD/UP and MINUSMA are conducted through
a series of parallel and sequential Composite Air Operations (COMAO). COMAO
is the term used when dissimilar types of aircraft interact in coordinated actions to
achieve defined military objectives within a given time and geographical area. The
study indicates that joint practice and a joint process for learning and leadership play
vital roles in the successful conduct of COMAO in war. Joint practice during exercises
like RED FLAG provides the opportunity to develop the interactional skills
that are needed in modern aerial warfare. Important principles in joint practice are
that you train as you fight, you experience a progression in challenge and that all
participants participate in the exchange of ideas and lessons learned.
