The commander within a unified command, subordinate unified command, or joint task force responsible to the establishing commander for making recommendations on the proper employment of assigned, attached, and/or made available for tasking air forces; planning and coordinating air operations; or accomplishing such operational missions as may be assigned. The joint force air component commander is given the authority necessary to accomplish missions and tasks assigned by the establishing commander.

The joint air and space component commander (JFACC) uses the joint air and space operations centre to command and control the integrated air and space effort to meet the joint force commander's objectives. This title emphasises the Air Force position that air power and space power together create effects that cannot be achieved through air or space power alone.