Future U.S. Military Strategy: The Need for a Standing Joint Task Force
Abstract
As the United States goes about restructuring its military forces to provide military security in a volatile, unsettled strategic environment, it must do so with significantly reduced resources and within an environment of great uncertainty. In reviewing the emerging National Military Strategy, the reliance on 'contingency forces' capable of rapid power projection to meet unexpected threats is emphasized. But these forces and their capabilities are not viewed holistically, rather they are viewed and defined parochially, along service lines. Forming them into a composite whole is lacking. In structuring contingency forces envisioned in the future military strategy we should recognize first battle and historical experiences and organize these forces into a standing JTF. This JTF would provide the dedicated focus and direction so important to preparing these contingency forces to fight and win on the lethal, dynamic battlefields of tomorrow anywhere in the world. The JTF could be employed under a regional commander (CINC) or directly under the National Command Authority if warranted. Further, it would be capable of being tailored to meet the unique characteristics of a developing contingency and could serve as an independent force or as the lead element of a larger force, if required, to deal with a major regional contingency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA237692
Entities
People
- James R. Helmly
Organizations
- United States Army War College