PRIORITY Commanders should prioritize the use of airpower. Limited resources require that airpower be applied where it can make the greatest contribution to the most critical JFC objectives. The air component commander should assess the possible use of forces, analyze their strengths and capabilities to support the overall joint campaign, and have an informed dialogue with the JFC regarding effective prioritization of airpower. The application of airpower is balanced against its ability to conduct simultaneous operations at all levels of warfare. BALANCE Much of the skill of the air component commander is reflected in the dynamic and correct balancing of the principles of joint operations and the tenets of airpower to bring Air Force capabilities together to produce synergistic effects. An air component commander should weigh combat opportunity, necessity, effectiveness, efficiency, and the impact on accomplishing assigned objectives against the associated risk to friendly forces. An Airman is uniquely suited to determine the proper theater-wide balance between offensive and defensive air operations, and among strategic, operational, and tactical applications to best accomplish the JFC’s objectives.