Tumbling 'Component Walls' in Contingency Operations: A Trumpet's Blare forSanding Joint Task Force Headquarters

摘要

The principle aim of this study is to determine if further unification of servicecomponents below the combatant CINC level is required. More specifically, do the combatant CINC's require a standing joint task force (JTF) headquarters to provide operationally effective and efficient command and control during contingency operations where force entry or other immediate commitment to combat action is required. In answer to the research question, this study first presents a brief analysis of some recent significant changes in the world's strategic landscape which are dramatically increasing the importance of the ability of U.S. military forces to respond to regional contingencies. Secondly, the study highlights the nature of contingency operations by describing the characteristics of contingency operations, the characteristics required of contingency force and the demands these two combined place on a contingency force headquarters. Next, utilizing precepts from organization and decision-making theory, this study establishes suitable criteria which support evaluation of functional performance by a military organization at the operational level of war.