Who does the JFC normally designate as the Airspace Control Authority (ACA)?

The JFC, or Joint Force Commander, typically designates the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) as the Airspace Control Authority (ACA). This designation makes sense due to the JFACC's primary responsibilities, which include planning and executing air operations, overseeing airspace coordination, and managing the integration of air power into the joint operations framework.

The JFACC is tasked with ensuring that airspace is effectively managed to meet operational objectives and provide support for ground and naval forces. This includes issues related to airspace deconfliction, control measures, and the allocation of air power assets. Given these responsibilities, the JFACC is the most suitable choice for the role of ACA, enabling them to facilitate and coordinate airspace use across different military branches and enhance mission effectiveness.

In contrast, other entities like the SFC (Surface Force Commander), AFSOC (Air Force Special Operations Command), and ANG (Air National Guard) have different roles within the broader military structure. While they have crucial responsibilities, they do not typically hold the authority over airspace management in the same way that the JFACC does.