MOOTW and Information Superiority: The Importance of Continuity As a Principle of MOOTW in the 21st Century

Abstract

MOOTW encompass a wide variety of diverse missions, which are characterized by political sensitivity and less than concrete objectives. A commander may have little control over MOOTW in his theater, yet he is ultimately responsible for the success of any missions occurring there, making coordination of all MOOTW within his theater is a formidable task. The principle of continuity, the idea that all operations, regardless of the extent of a commander's involvement in them, can be planned and coordinated toward defined objectives across the spectrum of MOOTW, is the key to success in MOOTW. Continuity will ensure that MOOTW are coordinated very much the like traditional wartime campaign plan, but with an emphasis on interagency cooperation, sharing of information and intelligence (essential when taken within the context of Joint Vision 2010 and its demand for information superiority), and the current principles of MOOTW. readiness both for increased hostilities and for post-hostility restoration. Focusing on continuity ensures readiness for all contingencies, and enables the commander to better anticipate the transition point to hostilities. In addition, as the difficulties with Operation Just Cause showed in Panama, focusing on continuity will also make planning for those operations easier and, perhaps more importantly, will ensure the proper framework is in place for transition to post-hostilities. This paper analyzes the current principles of MOOTW, drawing on MOOTW aver the past two decades and looking to the future of MOOTW and the military's role. It introduces continuity as a proposed addition to the MOOTW principles, explains its particular relevance for the future, examines counter-arguments to its adoption as a principle, and urges for a change which embraces continuity as an essential tenet of joint doctrine.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 08, 2000
Accession Number
ADA378510

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  • James C. Childs

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