Joint Task Force Staffs: Seeking a Mark on the Wall
Abstract
A new approach is needed to organize and train Joint Task Force (JTF) staffs for short notice contingency operations. JTF activitations have increased dramatically in the post Cold War years. If recent trends continue, JTFs will increasingly form with little advanced warning and at lower operational levels. Procedures and institutional training required to rapidly create a functional JTF command, control and planning element are neither universal nor standardized among U.S. unified commands or their uni-service component commands. The paper outlines three current approaches to preparing JTF staffs for contingency operations. European Command designates its headquarters staff personnel as a cadre or core staff for JTF activations. Pacific Command designates component command staffs as standing JTFs without predetermined missions. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is pursuing a third complimentary option, standardizing doctrine, procedures and training for all staff eligible personnel to JTF level competencies. The blending of all three approaches reenforces strengths and eliminates weakness of the individual approaches. The integration of designated JTF headquarters, cadre staffs and an expansion of JTF competencies best balances resources, operational requirements and service differences while markedly increasing contingency JTF staff readiness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266560
Entities
People
- Nicholas P. Grant
Organizations
- Naval War College