Friction in Command and Control: Sources of Conflict in Military Doctrine
Abstract
This study asks how Airmen and Marines can set aside their differences regarding command and control of airpower, and integrate their forces to accomplish assigned missions. It opens with an in-depth analysis of the command and control doctrine of each service, breaking down the concepts and terminology that Airmen and Marines use to describe command, control, and execution, revealing where they differ, or share common views. This sets the stage for a disciplined analysis of the differences between Air Force and Marine Corps command and control doctrine, using Barry Posens organizational perspective; referencing the three significant causal forces of purpose, people, and environment. The analysis begins with delineation of each services roles and missions its purpose. It continues with a historical analysis of the operational experiences and cognitive development of doctrine and concepts, as influenced by the people that form each service and the environment in which they operate. Beginning in World War I and ending with Operation Desert Storm, the analysis summarizes how each service developed their concepts of airpower.The study concludes that Airmen and Marines must fully understand roles, missions, and concerns of the other services in order to effectively manage and employ airpower assets in joint warfare. In joint operations, such understanding will reduce friction in command and control relationships. Through comprehension of the role of Air Force mission requirements, Marines will understand how to best support joint airpower. Through understanding of the role of Marine Aviation, Airmen will appreciate the unique requirements of MAGTF combined arms synergy. Cooperation between Airmen and Marines will ensure the effective focus of airpower on the right mission, at the right time. To understand their counterpart, each service must develop a solid understanding of the others purpose, people, and environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1019408
Entities
People
- O. Iii J. Weiss
Organizations
- Air University