Operational Liaison in Combined Operations: Considerations and Procedures,
Abstract
Although the United States Armed Forces train to fight unilaterally, our historical experience suggests we fight as a multilateral force. Post conflict analysis of coalition command and control often appear to focus on command structures. Although this is the case, we tend to rely on informal solutions to affecting the command and control of allied and coalition command structures. Joint doctrine identifies two types of combined operations, coalitions and alliances. Coalitions are an informal arrangement of two or more military forces seeking a common objective. An alliance is a more formal arrangement between military forces. The more difficult of the two for integration of combat forces is a coalition. Absent common or standardized procedures, the coalition commander must spend a disproportionate amount of time integrating multinational combat forces into a cohesive, trained, combatant force. U.S. combined operations doctrine is contained in multiple JCS publications and does not adequately address joint tactics, techniques, or procedures for integration of multinational forces in combined operations. This monograph suggests operational liaison teams can bridge the gap between forming a coalition and employment of the coalition in combat operations. A proactive liaison team with supporting staff infrastructure, can reduce the commander's direct involvement with liaison. Historical examples are the U.S. Fifth Army in WWII, and U.S. Central Command in OPERATION DESERT STORM. Liaison methods utilized in these examples are analyzed to determine the validity of current doctrine and offers a framework for future liaison teams in combined operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314359
Entities
People
- Robert J. Botters Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College