Enablers for an Effective Joint Rapid-Response Operations Force (JROF)

摘要

The Defense Science Board has for several years focused on potent, agile ground forces operating on a nonlinear battlefield, reliant on inorganic remote fires, with exquisite situational awareness. This paper explores four enablers for a joint, rapid-response operations force: strategic lift to deploy the force, a responsive and effective C4ISR capability, a means to protect the force, and the sustainment of the force after the force is in place and engaged. The paper concludes that there would be considerable difficulty in deploying a brigade-sized force by airlift from the continental United States to tactical assembly areas within 96 hours; better results are obtained for a lightly armed 'ultra-light' force. Improvements to strategic sealift are also examined. The paper describes a C4ISR construct for a small force that improves the responsiveness of remote fires and a concept for a massive joint suppression of enemy air defenses campaign to protect the force. An examination of unit sustainment indicates that the need to supply bulk POL and water dominates daily CV-22 flights.