Conquering the Elements: Thoughts on Joint Force (Re)Organization

Abstract

Operation Iraqi Freedom demonstrated, or should have demonstrated, that joint warfighting--that is, the synergistic application of the unique capabilities of each service so that the net result is capability that is greater than the sum of the parts--is not just the mantra of the Department of Defense, but is, in fact, reality. Nevertheless, as successful as Operation Iraqi Freedom was, the department might take the concept of joint operations to still another level. If Operation Iraqi Freedom provided the observer with glimpses of innovative, task-organized units such as the Army's elite Delta Force special missions unit working with platoon of M1 Abrams main battle tanks and close air support, we still see segmentation of the battlespace that creates unnatural seams, inhibiting the full potential of joint force. How does this square with future joint operational concepts? Can the current architecture of joint force command and control arrangements react responsively and effectively to the threat environment that exists today and will likely confront our forces in the future? Is there better way? In this article, we will explore those questions as we look at alternative joint force architectures that might better unleash the full capability of the Department of Defense. The Paths to Military Innovation In simple terms, states prepare their militaries for the future by reworking, reequipping, or redesigning their forces to better meet their security needs, to develop decisive means, or to ensure their competitive lead in military capabilities. is the pursuit of such an increase in military capability, and the DOD's Transformation Planning Guidance tells us that it is imperative for the US military to transform. The Transformation Planning Guidance defines transformation as a process that shapes the changing nature of military competition and cooperation through new combinations of concepts, capabilities, people, and organizations that exploit our nation's advantages and protect against our asymmetric vulnerabilities to sustain our strategic position. (1) Each of the four components of transformation can be seen as path or axis along which one might proceed toward military innovation, either separately or in conjunction with journey down one or more of the other paths. In order to put our discussion within broader framework, each of the paths bears closer examination at the outset of this article. * Concepts. New operational concepts seek to create synergies between the aerospace, ground, and maritime forces. The development of the blitzkrieg doctrine of rapid mechanized warfare supported by close air support is the oft-cited prime example of new operational concept. * Capabilities. In limited sense, new capabilities derive from new technologies. Clearly, technology plays pivotal role in military transformation. The arrival of the tank and FM radio transformed the battlefield (which in turn enabled the development of the transformational blitzkrieg concept), and nuclear weapons completely changed the face of warfare. Today, advances in precision strike weapons and information technology have enabled the military to do things never before contemplated. Indeed, the destruction of regime no longer requires the destruction of society. Technology plays key role in many of the service transformation visions, from the Air Force's super-stealthy F-22 fighter to the Army's future combat system and the Navy's effort to transform ballistic-missile submarines into land-attack platforms. * People. One aspect of transformation is learning to use the complex technologies properly. It is not enough to present new technology and simply instruct service members in the technical operation of the new systems. Blending the skill and experience of high-quality people with functional technology is what produces gain in combat capability, and the continual process of assessing, recruiting, and retaining those people will require transformation in the way the Defense Department approaches personnel challenges. …