'Seams' Of Inefficiency and Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) Operations
Abstract
The Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) provides a unique organizational structure that capitalizes on the force multiplier effect realized from an entity staffed and led by personnel from multiple agencies with one common commander and mission. Though ideally suited for the detection, monitoring and interdiction of illicit transnational threats, a JIATFs efficiency and unity of effort can be hampered by certain legacy impediments placed upon them. One such impediment is identified in the National Interdiction Command and Control Plan (NICCP). The current NICCP states "the areas of responsibility (AORs) for the JIATF will mirror those of their respective Combatant Commanders (COCOMS) as defined by the Unified Command Plan (UCP); the JIATF West AOR will mirror that of USPACOM, and the AOR of JIATF East will mirror that of USSOUTHCOM." These two regional COCOMs share a common boundary in the eastern Pacific located at 92 degrees West longitude. This common boundary or "seam" has created an area where highly integrated planning, communication, and coordination are required to conduct the most basic of operational objectives. This study serves three purpose. First, through real world operations in JIATF East and JIATF West, it will demonstrate the corrosive effect of the current NICCP JIATF AOR boundary on unity of effort in counterdrug operations. Second, it will illustrate why the NICCP JIATF AOR boundary must change to enhance mission efficiency and ensure unity of effort. Finally, it will present two courses of action for mitigating the current erosion in unity of effort in counterdrug operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420423
Entities
People
- Robert A. Remsing
Organizations
- Naval War College