Finnishing the Force: Achieving True Flexibility for the Joint Force Commander
Abstract
The US military has never been more capable. In the past, we found sophisticated jammers, sensors, and command and control (C2) systems only at the operational level of war (typically as part of the air or maritime components). Today they appear in the backpacks and vehicles of frontline troops. Similarly, although the highest-end capabilities were once tasked only against strategic objectives, today s C2 and data-distribution systems allow operational-level capabilities to provide direct support to ground troops. Even though these capabilities permit unprecedented joint flexibility and recent changes in joint doctrine make possible the joint tasking of tactical assets, many of the latest capabilities remain organized and controlled as if they can support merely a single component.1 Key examples include ground-based signals intelligence sensors and organic airborne reconnaissance assets not organized, trained, or equipped for independent availability to the joint force. As we will see below, such assets as the Army s MQ-1C Gray Eagle or man-portable electronic jammers are intended to deploy as part of a larger single-component force, with little consideration given to their overall joint utility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA602091
Entities
People
- Brian Rivera
- Jussi Toivanen
- Matt J. Martin
Organizations
- Air University