Joint Force Commander 2010: Chess Master, Coach or Cheerleader?
Abstract
Joint Vision 2010 provides a vision of the future joint battlefield. This vision depends heavily on an enabling capability called Information Superiority. Information Superiority is expected to provide unprecedented knowledge of the three-dimensional battlefield simultaneously across the levels of command from Tactical to the National- Strategic. It is the purpose of this research to determine how Information Superiority may influence a Joint Force Commander's (JFC) ability to effectively direct lower level tactical actions. Limitations of Information Superiority and examples of how historical commanders utilized significant advances in command and control will be used as determinants. Metaphorically, Chess Master, Coach and Cheerleader are used to visualize the degree of influence a future JFC might choose to exert. The research supports that in a crisis confined to a small area, preceded by time to gather and focus a large number of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (lSR) assets on a fairly static enemy, Information Superiority should give the the JFC a picture that will approach the true situation on the battlefield. In this case the JFC may effectively control his forces as a Chess Master would pieces on a chess board. However, when allocated less than the optimum number of ISR platforms, against a dynamic enemy dispersed over a large theater of operations, the JFC's picture will be somewhat less than the true situation on the battlefield. In this case, his role must shift more toward that of a coach, where he provides the necessary intent and supervision while allowing his players to exercise their own skill, initiative and innovation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328088
Entities
People
- Randy O. Parrish
Organizations
- Naval War College