Making the Joint Planning and Execution Process More Responsive to the Combatant Commander
Abstract
Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has dramatically decreased its overseas basing of military forces. This trend is likely to continue as DoD considers plans to reduce the footprint of permanently assigned forces in many Western European countries with rotational units. As a result, the success of future U.S. military operations will depend on the combat capability of rotating forces already in theater along with our ability to rapidly deploy additional forces from CONUS locations. Unfortunately, the current Joint Deployment Planning (JDP) process is too cumbersome and inflexible to satisfactorily address combatant commanders needs and the inevitable changes in priorities once an operation is underway. This study will first evaluate current doctrine regarding the deployment planning and execution process followed by a review of the adequacy of its procedures during recent operations. Systemic problem areas will then be identified along with recommendations on ways to mitigate their negative effects, both at the department and more importantly, combatant command levels. Finally, this analysis will recognize ongoing efforts aimed at improving deployment planning and execution responsiveness in support of combatant commanders' requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA426066
Entities
People
- David L. Mann
Organizations
- Naval War College