Joint Fires Coordination: Service Specialties and Boundary Challenges.

Abstract

Abstract : Among the challenges facing joint force commanders today is the coordination of operational and tactical fires which traverse boundaries within a joint operations area. These boundaries are the demarcation of deep and close battlespaces within individual areas of operations that are normally controlled by different supported commanders. Adequate coordination among supported commanders is pivotal to avoid fratricide and reduce duplication of effort. Unfortunately, joint doctrine does not adequately address how commanders can ensure economy of force and unity of effort when conducting joint fires. Specifically, the challenge is most critical in the area between the Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) and the Joint Force Land Component Commander's (JFLCC) forward boundary because joint fires must complement future operational maneuvers. This paper evaluates the issue of joint fires coordination by examining joint and service doctrine publications, combatant command directives, and the Joint Universal Lessons Learned (JULLs) database. Interviews were also conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the problem. In short, there is no common understanding among services about joint fires coordination, operational and tactical fires, and deep battlespace missions. This challenge can be resolved by modifying joint doctrine to address adequately joint fires that traverse intratheater boundaries. Recommendations include creating a coordination element within each supported commander's staff and providing the JFLCC an adequate maneuvering area beyond the FSCL to independently conduct deep operational maneuvers.