Reengineering the Doctrinal Latticework of Military Space

Abstract

Abstract : This study examines the ability of the U.S. military community to integrate a world of satellite aided, precision guided weaponry and all seeing, all hearing space age systems with traditional terrestrial warfighting systems. This statement begs the question; does modern doctrine and the joint military culture adequately address the evolving military requirements involving all mediums of warfare? The answer lies partially with three issues facing the U.S. Department of Defense: (1) contemporary military space leadership and command organization, (2) dissonant parochial feelings among the Services, and (3) a contemporary organizational structure that better meets a changing world space threat. Certainly, space systems have become an essential component to the U.S.'s overall warfighting capability. In fact, some are saying space operations have become economic and military centers of gravity. Maybe, however, one thing is certain. The fourth medium of battlespace provides integrated capabilities that bolsters both the offense and defense of terrestrial combat components, sends resonating proof of the U.S.'s ability to sustain a global awareness, and provides global, instantaneous, secure communication to its forces. In a recent futuristic exercise, during the initial throes of combatant exchange, the United States loses in space to a China-Russian based coalition. It took weeks before space aided American C4I capabilities recovered. This monograph explores the issues that must be debated in order to keep pace with the capabilities and integration of civil, military, and international space systems, their military command and control structure, and social/psychological attitudes towards contemporary change.