Assessing USJFCOM's Role on Joint Doctrine Development--An EBO Case Study
Abstract
On 14 August, 2008, General Mattis, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) directed his command that, "Effective immediately, USJFCOM will no longer use, sponsor or export the terms and concepts related to Effects Based Operations (EBO)...in our training, doctrine development and support of JPME (Joint Professional Military Education)." His statement exposed a flaw in joint doctrine that the development process is broken. With the stroke of a pen, Mattis effectively killed the remnants of the joint concept Effects-Based Operations within his combatant command. His action, however, extended an influence well beyond USJFCOM. Due to the vital role USJFCOM plays in joint doctrine concept development, EBO, a USJFCOM doctrinal concept six years in the making, was effectively provided a deathblow. This paper will examine the existing role of USJFCOM in the joint doctrine development domain, utilizing the rise and fall of EBO, as a case study. First, it will review the history and authority of USJFCOM, followed by an analysis of the joint doctrine development process. It will then examine how EBO found its way into joint doctrine, through the sponsorship of USJFCOM, and USJFCOM's expanding role in joint doctrine development. Finally, this study will conclude with recommendations on how to redefine USJFCOM's role in the joint doctrine process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA502909
Entities
People
- Jason W. Evenson
Organizations
- Naval War College