The Joint Task Force Commander and Operational Control of Attack Submarines.

Abstract

Abstract : Attack submarines have a significant role to play in the regional or littoral conflicts of the future. The attack submarine, which predominantly operated independently in the past, will serve as a force multiplier for a joint task force responding to some crisis in the world. Central to the Joint Task Force Commander (JTFC) being able to use the attack submarine to meet his objectives is that he be able to operationally control those attack submarines. Today, the operational control (OPCON) of attack submarines is retained by the Submarine Type Commander or his subordinate in all naval, joint, or allied exercises. To enhance unity of effort, operational movement, operational maneuver, and operational tempo, the JTFC should be given OPCON of attack submarines used for the achievement of his objectives. The time to implement this change is not when we are faced with the next regional conflict requiring the attack submarine to participate with the Joint Task Force in more than just a strike warfare role. So that the U.S. Navy as a whole is practiced in the integration and effective use of attack submarines, the OPCON of attack submarines should routinely be given up by the Submarine Type Commander in naval and joint exercises.