Command and Control of Theater Missile Defense: Joint Doctrinal Imperative.
Abstract
The theater ballistic missile (TBM) threat is serious and growing. To counter this threat, the United States intends to build an integrated joint theater missile defense (JTMD) with an active defense system capable of operating in a fully automated mode. Since doctrine, by definition, prescribes the method for employing combat forces, it is incumbent on the U.S. military to determine the best doctrine for employing this JTMD system. Current doctrine is inadequate in that it fails to provide the joint force commander (JFC) with the guidance necessary to organize the theater for JTMD. Future doctrine should, as a minimum, guide the JFC in making the organizational, informational and operational decisions necessary to deploy the JTMD system. In light of the continued rapid proliferation of TBMs, this doctrine must give the JFC the guidance necessary to make optimum use of JTMD assets. To ensure this optimum use, a JTMD system must include centralized command and control of active defense assets. Depending on the severity of the threat, the commander responsible for JTMD should be either the JFACC, AADC or a specifically designated JFMDC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325793
Entities
People
- William L. Spacy Ii
Organizations
- Naval War College