Command and Control: Toward Arctic Unity of Command and Unity of Effort

Abstract

This study examines issues facing the U.S. military command and control structure in the Arctic. Specifically, given recent climate changes, the resulting potential threats, and the missions set forth by the commander in chief, what is the most effective command and control structure to provide the requisite unity of command and unity of effort in the Arctic? Looking through the lens of the U.S. Army's design model this study first defines the environment of the Arctic Region as it relates to the changing national security threat facing the United States. This environmental frame discusses recent climate changes and their effects on transportation, shipping, natural resources, and international relationships. Next, given the environmental context, this study establishes four potential problems that would require military employment. These military employment problems are military to military relationships, disaster relief, search and rescue, and violent conflict. This monograph proposes three command and control options to be examined as they relate to the previously identified problems. These three options include redefining geographic combatant command boundaries, assigning a standing Joint Task Force, or maintaining the existing command and control structure. Finally, through a subjective analysis of various command and control options available to the U.S. military, this study provides a recommendation as to the most effective option. The significance of this study is its examination of an emerging national security threat on our nation's northern border through the lens of design. While many military scholars have written on the changes in the Arctic Region, and its implications, few posit any real change to our military structure that would prepare the U.S. to meet the corresponding challenges.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 2011
Accession Number
ADA544868

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Peeler

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Climate Change
  • Combatant Commanders
  • Command And Control
  • Environmental Protection
  • Geographic Regions
  • Homeland Security
  • Interagency Coordination
  • International Organizations
  • Marine Transportation
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States European Command
  • United States Northern Command
  • United States Pacific Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control