More Than a Paradigm Shift... Challenging the Assumption That a JTF Commander Can Operate Effectively from an SSGN
Abstract
Now that four Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile Submarines (SSGN) are entering the fleet, new capabilities have emerged that were never before available from a submerged platform. One of these capabilities has the potential to propel the SSGN from the tactical to the operational level of war. Large-scale demonstrations like SILENT HAMMER and GIANT SHADOW have created the advertised capability of embarking a Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander and staff for short-duration, high-intensity operations. However, at the operational level of war, the complexities of external and internal command, coupled with the operating posture and communication limits of the SSGN, may prohibit the Operational Commander from operating effectively from this platform. This paper will examine significant projects such as the Naval War College SSGN C2 Study, the STIC2 war game, SIMEX 06-4, TRIDENT WARRIOR 07, and the JT&E JC2WTA project, all of which investigated this concept in great detail. The results are varied but all point to one conclusion. The current communications and operating posture limitations of the SSGN will prevent the JTF Commander from operating in the required (expected) capacity to support real-world operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA494424
Entities
People
- Matthew Jeffery
Organizations
- Naval War College