C2 and the American Way of War: Getting it Right from the Start
Abstract
After assuming command of U.S. Forces - Afghanistan and NATO ISAF, GEN McChrystal was requested by the Secretary of Defense to provide his assessment of the war in Afghanistan. In less than two months, after conducting an in-depth assessment of the entire campaign to-date, GEN McChrystal and his staff produced his Commander's Initial Assessment, outlining the way forward for all U.S. and Coalition forces in Afghanistan. His assessment outlined and highlighted significant changes to the force structure and force employment. The third paragraph of General McChrystal's assessment briefly summarizes: "Success is achievable, but it will not be attained simply by training harder or by 'doubling down' on the previous strategy. Additional resources are requested, but focusing on the force or resource requirements misses the point entirely. The key take away from this assessment is the urgent need for a significant change to our strategy and the way we think and operate." Future Joint Task Force Commanders in comparable, protracted conflicts must rapidly recognize the changing nature of a conflict and establish functional and adaptable command and control structures and relationships that allow them to implement successful strategies. Command and control is the most important operational function. Once the command and control structure is correct, everything else will follow. The proper command and control structure allows a commander to set the "tone" or craft the appropriate operational culture for the campaign. When the operational culture must change, having the correct command and control structure and relationships in place allows the commander to do so, effectively and efficiently.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA546300
Entities
People
- James H. Peay Iv
Organizations
- Naval War College