Distributed Operations: The Way Forward

Abstract

The effectiveness of distributed operations in the contemporary operating environment (COE) will demand a change from current trends in development within the Marine Corps. In order to fight effectively in the COE, the Marine Corps will have to implement an enhanced distributed operations capability amongst our fighting forces. While the origins of D.O. are as old as military history itself, I believe that the employment of small, dispersed, and independent forces is necessary for our present and future success during what Colonel Hammes calls the fourth generation of warfare (4GW). Despite the fact that we currently execute some form, or level, of D.O., I do not believe that our recent endeavors will get us to where we need to be successful against a global threat of extremists whom are networked and execute in flat organizations based largely on a commander's intent. General Hagee's Mandate in April 2005 laid the foundation for experimentation and implementation of D.O. within the Marine Corps, and since then, various organizations Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Systems Command, Training and Education Command, Marine Corp Warfighting Lab have taken action to follow through on the Commandant's guidance. The Marine Corps current endeavors relative to D.O. implementation equate to no more than training in basic ITSs, an enhanced gear suite, and an improved school track for small unit leaders. That is, basic skills and standards that should already be resident amongst our forces. Our ability to execute an enhanced form of D.O. is based on an improved warfighter and small unit proficiency. The foundation of improved warfighters and small units is their ability to shoot, move, and communicate, with a solid foundation in existing Infantry Training Standards (ITS).

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA568822

Entities

People

  • Michael C. Monti

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • International Organizations
  • Lessons Learned
  • Management Personnel
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Education
  • Military History
  • Military Science
  • New York
  • Students
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.