Proctoring the Joint Force: Networks, Hierarchy, and 21st Century Warfare

This study analyzes the prospects for a joint center to exercise command and control C2 over United States U.S. Joint Forces. The idea for such a center emanates from the need for joint warfighting efficiency and the emergence of the Standing Joint Force Headquarters SJFHQ. The study assesses the compatibility of a joint center with individual service doctrines as well as net-centric environments NCE and net-centric operations NCO. It concludes that a joint C2 center is incompatible with the preponderance of service doctrine, and is diametrically opposed to the concept of NCO. Instead, a Joint Planning and Monitoring Center JPMC could plan and monitor the joint fight, accomplishing many of the same goals of efficiency that a C2 center might. In execution, the Joint Force would conduct net-centric warfare NCW wherein subordinate empowerment prevails on the battlefield, focused by mission-orders and commanders intent. The paper concludes with recommendations to field the NCE, create the JPMC, and adapt service doctrine to operate in NCEs and conduct NCW.