The Operational Staff: Keeping Pace with Change?

This monograph examines the US Army operational level staff. Although the staffs importance to operational success is recognized, it remains the product of evolutionary development. Rather than adapting in a proactive manner, changes in staff structure and organization merely respond to previous conditions and problems. The monograph first provides a background of staff development. The history of the staff is analyzed, assessing the relationship between changes in the conditions of warfare and the need for appropriate staff representation. Establishing this relationship provides insight into requirements for todays staff. A doctrinal analysis examines the present role and functions of the operational level staff. This analysis is made, considering the significant mission changes that are associated with full-dimensional operations in a force projection environment. The assessment uses lessons learned from recent experiences. Recommendations for improving problem areas are combined with doctrinal insights that suggest modifications to current staff structure and functions. These modifications will bring US Army command and control processes in line with warfighting doctrine.