Integrated Strat Plan & Analy Network (ISPAN)

The Integrated Strategic Planning & Analysis Network (ISPAN) is a sophisticated system utilized by the U.S. Air Force to enhance strategic planning and operational capabilities. This program is integral to the Department of Defense's efforts in maintaining a robust national force-level planning system. ISPAN supports the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) by enabling an effects-based approach to planning and operations, facilitating cross-domain information sharing, and managing multi-server administration. The primary objective of ISPAN is to develop, verify, and produce Operational Plan 8010, which involves tasks such as creating and executing courses of action on threat scenarios.

ISPAN comprises two key components: the Mission Planning and Analysis System (MPAS) and the Global Adaptive Planning Collaborative Information Environment (GAP-CIE). MPAS is designed to support Global Strike nuclear and conventional target development, providing mission planning, analysis, decision support tools, and an enterprise database for strategic war planning. Meanwhile, GAP-CIE offers web-enabled adaptive planning capabilities, rapid distributed course of action development, and global situational awareness for both contingency and crisis planners. These systems work in tandem to ensure comprehensive strategic planning capabilities.

In fiscal year 2024, funding for ISPAN was transferred to align with the Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System (SMPES), consolidating legacy Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) program elements under a single program element to initiate integration efforts. This transition reflects a strategic move towards enhancing the coherence and efficiency of strategic mission planning systems within the Air Force. The integration aims to streamline operations while maintaining the high standards required for national defense readiness.

ISPAN plays a crucial role in supporting USSTRATCOM's mission by providing advanced tools for strategic planning and execution. Its dual-system approach ensures that both nuclear and conventional strategies are effectively developed and managed. The ongoing integration with SMPES highlights the Air Force's commitment to evolving its strategic capabilities in response to changing defense needs.