Who is responsible for approving the AADP?

The responsibility for approving the AADP (Air Allocation Decision Process) lies with the Joint Force Commander. This is because the Joint Force Commander oversees the planning and execution of joint military operations, which includes the allocation of air assets and the associated resources necessary to accomplish operational objectives effectively. The Joint Force Commander typically has a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, strategic priorities, and resource constraints, which informs their decisions regarding air operations.

While other entities such as the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and United States Congress play critical roles in defense policy and resource allocation at a broader level, the specific authority to approve operational plans like the AADP typically resides within the operational chain of command, where the Joint Force Commander directly oversees implementation and strategy.