C³ planning for theater combined operations

摘要

In a global environment greatly influenced by the perception of anreduced threat and the reality of tighter fiscal planning, thenDepartment of Defense is faced with the need to reduce theater resourcesnand increase combined operations. The authors identify major command,ncontrol, and communications (C³) issues associated withncombined operations and recommend a methodology for developing a C³ⁿ structure to satisfy them. The structured methodology can be usednby the US and its allies to develop, assess, and implement a C³ⁿ infrastructure. The methodology is a top-down driven approachnthat ensures the commander's ability to conduct assigned missions. It isnpresented in the following four phases: definition of capabilitynobjectives: assessment of C³ systems; development ofnalternative C³ improvement packages; and development of a Cn³ implementation plan. These four steps describe a structurednapproach that focuses on the C³ resources necessary tonexecute a combined force's mission