Modifying the X-Matrix to Capture the Joint Capability Architecture

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) manages programs of systems from concept through development to production with Joint Capability Areas (JCAs). JCAs are a standardized grouping of capabilities that enable DoD decision makers to allocate resources based on a programs contribution to joint operations. Additionally, the DoD has established Universal Joint Tasks (UJTs) to serve as a common language for describing functions a system performs across the four services. Similar to JCAs, a system performs one or more UJTs in support of the joint war fight. Although JCAs and UJTs are well described and understood by the joint community within the DoD, the DoD lacks a method for visualizing the links between program, JCAs, and UJTs at the enterprise level. Enterprise Architecting is an approach for analyzing an enterprise level system and developing candidate architectures for the enterprise to deliver value. Enterprise Architecture tools, specifically, the X-Matrix provides an opportunity for the DoD to visualize these links to ensure alignment of programs to JCAs and UJTs. Additionally, the X-Matrix enables DoD decision makers to understand potential gaps or unnecessary redundancies at the enterprise level. Given the current fiscal reality in the DoD, analysts must provide leaders with data based recommendations on systems to ensure that the DoD is being efficient with their limited resources. This modification of the X-Matrix enables the visualization of essential links between programs, the form of the enterprise, and the JCAs and UJTs, the function of the enterprise. It provides DoD leadership with a tool to visualize the impacts of resourcing decisions and potentially make better investments in programs to support the joint warfighter.