Reorganizing Geographic Combatant Command Headquarters for Joint Force 2020
Abstract
As the United States' strategic defense priorities change, our Geographic Combatant Command Headquarters (GCCM HQ) must evolve to address these and other issues. The Geographic Combatant Command Headquarters' staffs must holistically reorganize to meet the strategic needs of the 21st Century Joint Force. This study provides an academic and historical review of organization theory and constructs that culminates in recommendations for all six GCCM HQs: (1 ) realize staff efficiencies through organizational constructs that provide greater flexibility, (2) include relevant interagency and multinational participation in GCCM efforts, and (3) establish standardized staff positions that provide seamless synchronization of global efforts. Two case studies provide insights into how organizational structures evolve due to leadership changes, environmental dynamics, and strategic shifts. The case studies involve the General Electric Company and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Keys to the recommended structure are Geographic Combatant Commander (GCC) span-of-control, structural hierarchy, environmental impacts on operations, the inclusion of interagency and multinational efforts within the staff, and the various national and Combatant Command (COCOM) strategic interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA581320
Entities
People
- Rhude Cherry Iii
Organizations
- National Defense University