Integrated Missile Defense: Changing the Way We Think and Fight

In the past, ballistic missile defense focused on efforts to counter a theater threat. Each theater and region deployed organic missile defense capabilities to defeat and deter that threat. Now, expanding enemy capabilities range from an increased array of short-range missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles. SCUD missiles can be fired from offshore platforms against the United States. Available sensors and defense systems are inter-service and multitasked. This evolving threat requires a shift in focus from a theater perspective to a global perspective--the mission now demands integrating missile defenses across and between theaters, including the United States. Effective integration requires the synchronization of all the operational elements of missile defense attack operations, passive defense, active defense, and battle management, command, control, and communications to deter and defeat the enemy threat. As joint friendly capabilities develop, these systems must be integrated into global plans to optimize their contributions to missile defense--while continuing to meet strategic objectives. Even a cursory review of this notional scenario illustrates that global ballistic missile defense is no longer theater-centric. Effective prosecution of a global ballistic missile defense strategy requires the integration of theater, regional and homeland objectives to optimize limited resources and meet strategic priorities. Synchronization of ballistic missile defense from a global perspective requires tools to provide real time access to common, current situation information and support products for distributed coordination of plans and the synchronization of actions across multiple headquarters. A joint structure that collaborates with the geographic combatant commands throughout deliberate and crisis action planning is essential to synchronize requirements and resources.