ARLINGTON, Va. -- In the high-stakes environment of modern conflict, air battle managers are critical warfighters, orchestrating complex air operations and integrating cutting-edge technology to maintain air superiority.
Air battle managers serve as human command and control nodes, providing real-time situational awareness and decision advantage to achieve mission objectives. Their ability to fuse information, make rapid decisions, and coordinate diverse assets drive requirements for the Air Force's modernization efforts and its vision for a networked battlespace.
The Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management manages the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, which aims to connect sensors, effectors, and logistics systems to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making. ABMs are central to this network, acting as the human interface between advanced technology and tactical execution, while also providing operational feedback to improve future capabilities.
“As part of a larger team, you’re ultimately there to meet the commander’s intent and to reach mission success,” said Maj. Greg Elliott, C3BM’s Advanced Battle Management Systems Division Software Applications Branch lead warfighter. “That’s only possible if you’re one team moving forward toward a single goal, working together, communicating together.”
ABMs interface with a complex web of advanced aircraft, weapons systems, and command elements. Effective communication and teamwork are essential. These skilled professionals operate from diverse platforms, including command centers, airborne platforms, and distributed ground stations.
“ABMs find themselves in situations where they are receiving information or data from capabilities and assets across an entire theater or across the globe,” said Lt. Col. Shahin Namazi, 552nd Training Support Squadron commander. “All of the information is coming together in one physical space and time. It's up to them to capitalize on that information superiority to manage the real-time allocation and direction of air operations to achieve the commander’s intent.”
The 552nd TRSS delivers critical Mission Qualification Training for the 552nd Air Control Wing’s control and reporting center and Airborne Warning and Control System personnel. The squadron’s effectiveness is enhanced by the leadership of experienced ABMs like Namazi, who brings 17 years of experience on multiple airborne battle management platforms to the role.
According to Elliott, air battle management hinges on strong problem-solving abilities, a core competency developed through rigorous training. By exposing ABMs to increasingly complex simulated environments, they hone their ability to prioritize tasks and make sound decisions, ultimately preparing them for the pressures of real-world combat situations.
“The more complex training an ABM is exposed to, the better,” Elliott said. “The most important aspect to make yourself a better ABM is to be able to make the right priorities. The more you do that, the better you get."
During Project Convergence Capstone 5 this spring, ABMs showcased their evolving role in human-machine teaming by using technologies, like the Tactical Operations Center-Light and artificial intelligence, to extend the long range kill chain. This demonstration, part of the Army Futures Command’s annual experimentation event, highlights how ABMs achieve agility and resilience in dynamic environments through training with advanced command and control programs.
As the Air Force continues to modernize its forces and adapt to new threats, the role of the ABM only becomes more critical. They are the central nervous system of airpower, ensuring seamless integration across the battlespace.
"Everything you see on the news, if it involves air components anywhere across the world, you can be sure battle managers were involved,” Namazi said. “As threats evolve, our capabilities modernize, and our roles and responsibilities expand.”
By embracing new technologies, honing their skills, and working collaboratively with other warfighters, ABMs remain at the forefront of airpower, ensuring the United States maintains its competitive edge in the skies. This strategic imperative is reinforced by C3BM’s unwavering dedication to deliver a lethal DAF BATTLE NETWORK that meets air battle manager needs.