The Joint Interdependence of Distributed Operations
Abstract
The U.S. Marine Corps is developing a new warfighting concept known as Distributed Operations. While this concept is still in development and experimentation it shows great promise in providing flexible and agile response to 21st century battle space challenges. The Distributed Operations concept envisions the deployment of units across a theater battle space to engage enemy forces. These units would be connected via command and control systems to carry out assigned missions employ fire support assets and request logistics support. If required these teams would then coalesce into formally structured infantry units to employ conventional infantry skills. These units could then be employed in conventional combat operations or stability and security operations. This battlefield concept provides a rapid flexible and agile tool to cover a battle space while creating challenges for any potential adversary. To realize the full joint potential of this concept several key areas of friction must be resolved. Specifically the integration of these forces into the theater level fire support system and logistics network needs to be addressed. This research paper will explore how distributed operations can employ joint interdependent theater fires and logistics in pursuit of theater missions. Possible courses of action involving joint interdependence will be proposed and a recommendation made on how these two challenges can be effectively dealt with.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA432365
Entities
People
- Darrell L. Thacker Jr
Organizations
- United States Army War College