Is the Navy Missing the Boat in the Development of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Doctrine

Core service competencies in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ISR is highlighted in the 2009 Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review Report as one of four major roles and missions focus areas for the U.S. military in the years to come. The ability to perform persistent surveillance from these typically high-demand but low-density assets necessitates the maximum efficiency of airborne ISR systems in support of the Joint Forces Commander JFC and requires the utmost of joint service integration, coordination, and communication. The intent of this paper is to investigate both joint and service ISR doctrine, focusing primarily with that of the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air force. The amount, quality, and currency of naval doctrine supporting the acquisition, employment, and integration of naval airborne ISR systems starkly reveals that the U.S. Navy is much too focused on infrastructure, architecture, and technology and is missing the core doctrine to effectively contribute to the ISR needs of the JFC. The Navy needs to update and invest in improving its doctrinal publications and witness a paradigm shift away from a mindset of solely supporting the maritime commander in terms of maritime capabilities.