The complexities of the future securityenvironment demand that the United States beprepared to face a wide range of threats ofvarying levels of intensity. Success incountering these threats will require the skillfulintegration of the core competencies of theServices into a joint force tailored to the specificsituation and objectives. Commanders must beafforded the opportunity to achieve the level ofeffectiveness and synergy necessary toconduct decisive operations across the entirerange of military operations. When combatoperations are required, they must have anoverwhelming array of capabilities available toconduct offensive and defensive operations andagainst which an enemy must defend. Othercomplex contingencies such as humanitarianrelief or peace operations will require a rapid,flexible response to achieve national objectivesin the required timeframe. Some situations mayrequire the capabilities of only one Service, butin most cases, a joint force comprised of bothActive and Reserve Components will beemployed.

The complexity of future operations alsorequires that, in addition to operating jointly, ourforces have the capability to participate

effectively as one element of a unified nationaleffort. This integrated approach brings to bearall the tools of statecraft to achieve our national

objectives unilaterally when necessary, whilemaking optimum use of the skills and resourcesprovided by multinational military forces,regional and international organizations,non-governmental organizations, and privatevoluntary organizations when possible.Participation by the joint force in operationssupporting civil authorities will also likelyincrease in importance due to emerging threatsto the US homeland such as terrorism andweapons of mass destruction.

PEOPLEThe core of the joint force of 2020 will

continue to be an All Volunteer Force composedof individuals of exceptional dedication and

Conduct ofJoint Operations

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ability. Their quality will matter as never beforeas our Service members confront a diversity ofmissions and technological demands that callfor adaptability, innovation, precise judgment,forward thinking, and multiculturalunderstanding. The Nation will continue todepend on talented individuals of outstandingcharacter, committed to an ethic of selflessservice.

Our people will require a multitude ofskills. The Services will play a critical role in

necessary. The joint force commander isthereby provided a powerful, synergistic forcecapable of dominating across the entire rangeof operations.

The missions of 2020 will demandService members who can create and then takeadvantage of intellectual and technologicalinnovations. Individuals will be challenged bysignificant responsibilities at tactical levels inthe organization and must be capable ofmaking decisions with both operational andstrategic implications. Our vision of fullspectrum dominance and the transformation ofoperational capabilities has significantimplications for the training and education ofour people. The tactics of informationoperations, the coordination of interagency and

perfecting their individual specialties and thecore competencies of each organization. Inaddition, every member of the Total Force mustbe prepared to apply that expertise to a widerange of missions as a member of the jointteam. Our Service members must have themental agility to transition from preparing forwar to enforcing peace to actual combat, when

multinational operations, as well as thecomplexity of the modern tools of war all requirepeople who are both talented and trained toexacting standards. Rapid and dispersedoperations will require men and women who arepart of a cohesive team, yet are capable of

operating independently to meet thecommanders intent. The evolution of newfunctional areas, such as space operations andinformation operations, will require developmentof appropriate career progression andleadership opportunities for specialists in thosefields. The accumulation of training andexperience will create a force ready to deployrapidly to any point on the globe and operateeffectively.

The joint force of 2020 will face anumber of challenges in recruiting and retainingthe outstanding people needed to meet theserequirements. First, expanding civilianeducation and employment opportunities willreduce the number of candidates available formilitary service. We will continue to focus onour members standard of living and acompetitive compensation strategy to ensurewe attract the quality individuals we need.

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Second, the increasing percentage of memberswith dependents will require a commitment tofamily-oriented community support programsand as much stability as possible, as well asclose monitoring of the impact of the operationstempo. Finally, our increased dependence onthe Reserve Component will require us toaddress the concerns of our reserve membersand their employers regarding the impact oncivilian careers. The Department of Defenseand Services must meet these challengeshead-on.

Military operations will continue todemand extraordinary dedication and sacrificeunder the most adverse conditions. Our TotalForce, composed of professionals armed withcourage, stamina, and intellect, will succeeddespite the complexity and pace of futureoperations.

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INTEROPERABILITYInteroperability is the foundation of

effective joint, multinational, and interagencyoperations. The joint force has made significantprogress toward achieving an optimum level ofinteroperability, but there must be a concertedeffort toward continued improvement. Suchimprovements will include the refinement ofjoint doctrine as well as further developmentof common technologies and processes.Exercises, personnel exchanges, agreementon standardized operating procedures,individual training and education, and planningwill further enhance and institutionalize thesecapabilities. Interoperability is a mandate forthe joint force of 2020 especially in terms ofcommunications, common logistics items, andinformation sharing. Information systems andequipment that enable a common relevantoperational picture must work from sharednetworks that can be accessed by anyappropriately cleared participant.

Although technical interoperability isessential, it is not sufficient to ensure effectiveoperations. There must be a suitable focus onprocedural and organizational elements, anddecision makers at all levels must understandeach others capabilities and constraints.Training and education, experience andexercises, cooperative planning, and skilledliaison at all levels of the joint force will not onlyovercome the barriers of organizational cultureand differing priorities, but will teach members

of the joint team to appreciate the full range ofService capabilities available to them.

The future joint force will have theembedded technologies and adaptive organiza-tional structures that will allow trained andexperienced people to develop compatibleprocesses and procedures, engage incollaborative planning, and adapt as necessaryto specific crisis situations. These features arenot only vital to the joint force, but tomultinational and interagency operations aswell.

Interoperability the ability of systems,units, or forces to provide services to andaccept services from other systems, units,or forces and to use the services soexchanged to enable them to operateeffectively together. (JP1-02)

Multinational OperationsSince our potential multinational

partners will have varying levels of technology,a tailored approach to interoperability thataccommodates a wide range of needs andcapabilities is necessary. Our more technicallyadvanced allies will have systems andequipment that are essentially compatible,enabling them to interface and shareinformation in order to operate effectively withUS forces at all levels. However, we must alsobe capable of operating with allies and coalitionpartners who may be technologicallyincompatible especially at the tactical level.Additionally, many of our future partners willhave significant specialized capabilities that

may be integrated into a common operatingscheme. At the same time, the existence ofthese relationships does not imply access toinformation without constraints. We and ourmultinational partners will continue to usesuitable judgment regarding the protection ofsensitive information and information sources.

In all cases, effective command and

control is the primary means of successfullyextending the joint vision to multinationaloperations. Technological developments thatconnect the information systems of partners willprovide the links that lead to a common relevantoperational picture and improve command andcontrol. However, the sharing of informationneeded to maintain the tempo of integratedmultinational operations also relies heavily on ashared understanding of operational procedures

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Multinational Operations a collectiveterm to describe military actions conductedby forces of two or more nations usuallyundertaken within the structure of a coalitionor alliance. (JP1-02)

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and compatible organizations. The commandermust have the ability to evaluate information inits multinational context. That context can onlybe appreciated if sufficient regional expertiseand liaison capability are available on thecommanders staff. A deep understanding ofthe cultural, political, military, and economiccharacteristics of a region must be established

and maintained. Developing this understandingis dependent upon shared training andeducation, especially with key partners, andmay require organizational change as well. Theoverall effectiveness of multinational operationsis, therefore, dependent on interoperabilitybetween organizations, processes, andtechnologies.

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Interagency OperationsThe primary challenge of interagency

operations is to achieve unity of effort despitethe diverse cultures, competing interests, anddiffering priorities of the participatingorganizations, many of whom guard theirrelative independence, freedom of action, andimpartiality. Additionally, these organizationsmay lack the structure and resources to support

extensive liaison cells or integrativetechnology. In this environment and inthe absence of formal commandrelationships, the future joint force mustbe proactive in improving communica-tions, planning, interoperability, andliaison with potential interagencyparticipants. These factors areimportant in all aspects of interagencyoperations, but particularly in thecontext of direct threats to citizens andfacilities in the US homeland.Cohesive interagency action is vital todeterring, defending against, andresponding to such attacks. The jointforce must be prepared to supportcivilian authorities in a fully integratedeffort to meet the needs of US citizensand accomplish the objectivesspecified by the National CommandAuthorities.

Interagency Coordination within thecontext of Department of Defenseinvolvement, the coordination that occursbetween elements of the Department ofDefense and engaged US Governmentagencies, non-governmental organizations,private voluntary organizations, andregional and international organizations forthe purpose of accomplishing an objective.(JP1-02)

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All organizations have unique informa-tion assets that can contribute to the commonrelevant operational picture and support unifiedaction. They also have unique informationrequirements. Sharing information withappropriately cleared participants andintegration of information from all sources areessential. Understanding each othersrequirements and assets is also crucial. More

importantly, through training with potentialinteragency partners, experienced liaisonsmust be developed to support long-termrelationships, collaborative planning inadvance of crises, and compatible processesand procedures. As with our multinationalpartners, interoperability in all areas ofinteraction is essential to effective interagencyoperations.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

Dominant ManeuverThe joint force capable of dominant

maneuver will possess unmatched speed andagility in positioning and repositioning tailoredforces from widely dispersed locations toachieve operational objectives quickly anddecisively. The employment of dominantmaneuver may lead to achieving objectivesdirectly, but can also facilitate employment ofthe other operational concepts. For example,dominant maneuver may be employed todislodge enemy forces so they can bedestroyed through precision engagement. Attimes, achieving positional advantage will be afunction of operational maneuver over strategicdistances. Overseas or US-based units willmass forces or effects directly to the operationaltheater. Information superiority will support theconduct of dominant maneuver by enablingadaptive and concurrent planning; coordinationof widely dispersed units; gathering of timelyfeedback on the status, location, and activitiesof subordinate units; and anticipation of thecourse of events leading to missionaccomplishment. The joint force will also becapable of planning and conducting dominantmaneuver in cooperation with interagency andmultinational partners with varying levels ofcommitment and capability.

The capability to rapidly mass force orforces and the effects of dispersed forces

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allows the joint force commander to establishcontrol of the battlespace at the proper time andplace. In a conflict, this ability to attainpositional advantage allows the commander toemploy decisive combat power that will compelan adversary to react from a position ofdisadvantage, or quit. In other situations, itallows the force to occupy key positions toshape the course of events and minimizehostilities or react decisively if hostilities erupt.And in peacetime, it constitutes a crediblecapability that influences potential adversarieswhile reassuring friends and allies.

Dominant Maneuver is the ability of jointforces to gain positional advantage withdecisive speed and overwhelmingoperational tempo in the achievement ofassigned military tasks. Widely dispersedjoint air, land, sea, amphibious, specialoperations and space forces, capable ofscaling and massing force or forces and theeffects of fires as required for either combator noncombat operations, will secureadvantage across the range of militaryoperations through the application ofinformation, deception, engagement,mobility and counter-mobility capabilities.

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Beyond the actual physical presence ofthe force, dominant maneuver creates animpact in the minds of opponents and others inthe operational area. That impact is a toolavailable to the joint force commander acrossthe full range of military operations. In aconflict, for example, the presence oranticipated presence of a decisive force mightwell cause an enemy to surrender after minimalresistance. During a peacekeeping mission, it

may provide motivation for good-faithnegotiations or prevent the instigation of civildisturbances. In order to achieve such animpact, the commander will use informationoperations as a force multiplier by making theavailable combat power apparent without theneed to physically move elements of the force.The joint force commander will be able to takeadvantage of the potential and actual effects ofdominant maneuver to gain the greatest benefit.

Precision EngagementSimply put, precision engagement is

effects-based engagement that is relevant to alltypes of operations. Its success depends onin-depth analysis to identify and locate criticalnodes and targets. The pivotal characteristic ofprecision engagement is the linking of sensors,delivery systems, and effects. In the joint forceof the future, this linkage will take place acrossServices and will incorporate the applicablecapabilities of multinational and interagencypartners when appropriate. The resultingsystem of systems will provide the commanderthe broadest possible range of capabilities inresponding to any situation, including bothkinetic and nonkinetic weapons capable ofcreating the desired lethal or nonlethal effects.

The concept of precision engagementextends beyond precisely striking a target withexplosive ordnance. Information superiority will

enhance the capability of the joint forcecommander to understand the situation,determine the effects desired, select a courseof action and the forces to execute it, accuratelyassess the effects of that action, and reengageas necessary while minimizing collateral

damage. During conflict, the commander willuse precision engagement to obtain lethal andnonlethal effects in support of the objectives ofthe campaign. This action could includedestroying a target using conventional forces,inserting a special operations team, or even the

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Precision Engagement is the ability of jointforces to locate, surveil, discern, and trackobjectives or targets; select, organize, anduse the correct systems; generate desiredeffects; assess results; and reengage withdecisive speed and overwhelmingoperational tempo as required, throughoutthe full range of military operations.

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execution of a comprehensive psychologicaloperations mission. In other cases, precisionengagement may be used to facilitate dominantmaneuver and decisive close combat. Thecommander may also employ nonkineticweapons, particularly in the arena ofinformation operations where the targets mightbe key enemy leaders or troop formations, orthe opinion of an adversary population.

In noncombat situations, precisionengagement activities will, naturally, focus onnonlethal actions. These actions will becapable of defusing volatile situations,overcoming misinformation campaigns, ordirecting a flow of refugees to relief stations, forexample. Regardless of its application incombat or noncombat operations, thecapability to engage precisely allows thecommander to shape the situation or battlespace in order to achieve the desired effectswhile minimizing risk to friendly forces andcontributing to the most effective use ofresources.

Focused LogisticsFocused logistics will provide military

capability by ensuring delivery of the rightequipment, supplies, and personnel in the rightquantities, to the right place, at the right time tosupport operational objectives. It will resultfrom revolutionary improvements in informationsystems, innovation in organizationalstructures, reengineered processes, andadvances in transportation technologies. Thistransformation has already begun with changesscheduled for the near term (see eventshighlighted in box at right) facilitating theultimate realization of the full potential offocused logistics.

Focused logistics will effectively link alllogistics functions and units through advancedinformation systems that integrate real-timetotal asset visibility with a common relevantoperational picture. These systems willincorporate enhanced decision support toolsthat will improve analysis, planning, andanticipation of warfighter requirements. Theywill also provide a more seamless connection to

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Focused Logistics Transformation Path

FY 01, implement systems to assess customer

confidence from end to end of the logisticschain using customer wait time metric.

FY 02, implement time definite delivery capabili-ties using a simplified priority system driven bythe customers required delivery date.

FY 04, implement fixed and deployable auto-mated identification technologies and informa-tion systems that provide accurate, actionabletotal asset visibility.

FY04 for early deploying forces and FY 06 forthe remaining forces, implement a web-based,shared data environment to ensure the jointwarfighters ability to make timely and confidentlogistics decisions.

Focused Logistics is the ability to provide the joint force the right personnel, equipment, andsupplies in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity, across the full range of militaryoperations. This will be made possible through a real-time, web-based information systemproviding total asset visibility as part of a common relevant operational picture, effectively linkingthe operator and logistician across Services and support agencies. Through transformationalinnovations to organizations and processes, focused logistics will provide the joint warfighter withsupport for all functions.

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dramatically improved end-to-end managementof the entire logistics system and provideprecise real-time control of thelogistics pipeline to support thejoint force commanderspriorities. The increasedspeed, capacity, and efficiencyof advanced transportationsystems will further improvedeployment, distribution, andsustainment. Mutual supportrelationships and collaborative planning willenable optimum cooperation with multinationaland interagency partners.

The result for the joint force of the future

will be an improved link between operationsand logistics resulting in precise time-definitedelivery of assets to the warfighter. Thissubstantially improved operational effective-ness and efficiency, combined with increasing

warfighter confidence in thesenew capabilities, will concur-rently reduce sustainmentrequirements and thevulnerability of logistics lines ofcommunication, while appropri-ately sizing and potentiallyreducing the logistics footprint.The capability for focusedlogistics will effectively supportthe joint force in combat andprovide the primary operational

the commercial sector to take advantage ofapplicable advanced business practices andcommercial economies. Combining thesecapabilities with innovative organizationalstructures and processes will result in

element in the delivery of humanitarian ordisaster relief, or other activities across therange of military operations.

Full Dimensional ProtectionOur military forces must be capable of

conducting decisive operations despite ouradversaries use of a wide range of weapons(including weapons of mass destruction), theconduct of information operations or terroristattacks, or the presence of asymmetric threatsduring any phase of these operations. Ourpeople and the other military and nonmilitary

assets needed for the successful conduct ofoperations must be protected wherever they arelocated from deployment, to theater combat,to redeployment. Full dimensional protectionexists when the joint force can decisivelyachieve its mission with an acceptable degreeof risk in both the physical and informationdomains.

The capability for full dimensionalprotection incorporates a complete array of bothcombat and noncombat actions in offensive anddefensive operations, enabled by informationsuperiority. It will be based upon active andpassive defensive measures, including theater

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Full Dimensional Protection is the ability ofthe joint force to protect its personnel andother assets required to decisively executeassigned tasks. Full dimensional protectionis achieved through the tailored selection andapplication of multilayered active and passivemeasures, within the domains of air, land,sea, space, and information across the rangeof military operations with an acceptable level

of risk.

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missile defenses and possibly limited missiledefense of the United States; offensivecountermeasures; security procedures;antiterrorism measures; enhanced intelligencecollection and assessments; emergencypreparedness; heightened security awareness;and proactive engagement strategies.Additionally, it will extend beyond the immediatetheater of operations to protect our reach-back,logistics, and key capabilities in other locations.There is a critical need for protection of theinformation content and systems vital foroperational success, including increasedvigilance in counterintelligence and informationsecurity. The joint force of 2020 will integrateprotective capabilities from multinational and

interagency partners when available and willrespond to their requirements when possible.Commanders will thoroughly assess andmanage risk as they apply protective measuresto specific operations, ensuring an appropriatelevel of safety, compatible with other missionobjectives, is provided for all assets.

The joint force commander will therebybe provided an integrated architecture forprotection, which will effectively manage risk tothe joint force and other assets, and leveragethe contributions of all echelons of our forcesand those of our multinational and interagencypartners. The result will be improved freedomof action for friendly forces and better protectionat all echelons.

INFORMATION OPERATIONSInformation operations are essential to

achieving full spectrum dominance. The jointforce must be capable of conducting informa-tion operations, the purpose of which is tofacilitate and protect US decision-makingprocesses, and in a conflict, degrade those ofan adversary. While activities and capabilities

employed to conduct information operations aretraditional functions of military forces, the paceof change in the information environmentdictates that we expand this view and explorebroader information operations strategies andconcepts. We must recognize that nontraditional adversaries who engage in

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Information Operations those actions taken to affect an adversarys information andinformation systems while defending ones own information and information systems. (JP1-02)Information operations also include actions taken in a noncombat or ambiguous situation toprotect ones own information and information systems as well as those taken to influence targetinformation and information systems.

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nontraditional conflict are of particularimportance in the information domain. TheUnited States itself and US forces around theworld are subject to information attacks on acontinuous basis regardless of the level anddegree of engagement in other domains ofoperation. The perpetrators of such attacks arenot limited to the traditional concept of auniformed military adversary. Additionally, theactions associated with information operationsare wide-ranging from physical destruction topsychological operations to computer networkdefense. The task of integrating informationoperations with other joint force operations iscomplicated by the need to understand themany variables involved (summarized in box).

engaged in humanitarian relief operations.Such operations will be synchronized withthose of multinational and interagency partnersas the situation dictates. New offensivecapabilities such as computer network attacktechniques are evolving. Activities such asinformation assurance, computer networkdefense, and counterdeception will defenddecision-making processes by neutralizing anadversaries perception management andintelligence collection efforts, as well as directattacks on our information systems. Becausethe ultimate target of information operations isthe human decision maker, the joint forcecommander will have difficulty accuratelyassessing the effects of those operations. This

Multidimensional definition and meaning of information target, weapon, resource, or domain of operationsLevel of action and desired effect tactical, operational, strategic, or combinationObjective of operations providing information, perception management, battle field dominance, command and control warfare, systemic disruption, or systemic destructionNature of situation peace, crisis, or conflict

The Variables of Information Operations

Our understanding of the interrelation-ships of these variables and their impact onmilitary operations will determine the nature ofinformation operations in 2020. The joint forcecommander will conduct information operationswhether facing an adversary during a conflict or

problem of battle damage assessment forinformation operations is difficult and must beexplored through exercises and rigorousexperimentation.

The continuing evolution of informationoperations and the global information environ-

ment holds two significant implications. First,operations within the information domain willbecome as important as those conducted in thedomains of sea, land, air, and space. Suchoperations will be inextricably linked to focusedlogistics, full dimensional protection, precisionengagement, and dominant maneuver, as wellas joint command and control. At the sametime, information operations may evolve into aseparate mission area requiring the Services tomaintain appropriately designed organizationsand trained specialists. Improvements indoctrine, organization, and technology may leadto decisive outcomes resulting primarily frominformation operations. As informationoperations continue to evolve, they, like other

military operations, will be conducted consistentwith the norms of our society, our alliances withother democratic states, and full respect for thelaws of armed conflict. Second, there issignificant potential for asymmetric engage-ments in the information domain. The UnitedStates has enjoyed a distinct technologicaladvantage in the information environment andwill likely continue to do so. However, aspotential adversaries reap the benefits of theinformation revolution, the comparativeadvantage for the US and its partners willbecome more difficult to maintain. Additionally,our ever-increasing dependence on informationprocesses, systems, and technologies addspotential vulnerabilities that must be defended.

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Command and control is the exercise ofauthority and direction over the joint force. It isnecessary for the integration of the Servicescore competencies into effective jointoperations. The increasing importance ofmultinational and interagency aspects of theoperations adds complexity and heightens thechallenge of doing so. Command and controlincludes planning, directing, coordinating, andcontrolling forces and operations, and isfocused on the effective execution of theoperational plan; but the central function isdecision making.

Command and control is most effectivewhen decision superiority exists. Decision

processes. While changes in theinformation environment have ledsome to focus solely on thecontribution of informationsuperiority to command andcontrol, it is equally necessary tounderstand the complete realm ofcommand and control decisionmaking, the nature of organiza-tional collaboration, and especially,

the human in the loop.In the joint force of the future, command

and control will remain the primary integratingand coordinating function for operationalcapabilities and Service components. As the

superiority results from superior informationfiltered through the commanders experience,knowledge, training, and judgment; theexpertise of supporting staffs and otherorganizations; and the efficiency of associated

JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL

Command and Control the exerciseof authority and direction by a properlydesignated commander over assignedand attached forces in the accomplish-ment of the mission. Command andcontrol functions are performedthrough an arrangement of personnel,equipment, communications, facilities,and procedures employed by acommander in planning, directing,coordinating, and controlling forcesand operations in the accomplishmentof the mission. (JP1-02)

nature of military operations evolves, there is aneed to evaluate continually the nature ofcommand and control organizations,mechanisms, systems, and tools. There aretwo major issues to address in this evaluation command structures and processes, and theinformation systems and technologies that arebest suited to support them. Encompassedwithin these two issues, examination of the

following related ideas and desired capabilitieswill serve as a catalyst for changes in doctrine,organization, and training.

Commanders will need a broad understand-ing of new operational capabilities and new(often highly automated) supporting tools inorder to be capable of flexible, adaptivecoordination and direction of both forcesand sensors.

The staffs that support commanders mustbe organized and trained to take advantageof new capabilities. Commanders and staffsmust also be capable of command andcontrol in the face of technology failure.

Commanders will be able to formulate anddisseminate intent based upon up-to-dateknowledge of the situation existing in thebattlespace.

Joint force headquarters will be dispersedand survivable and capable of coordinating

dispersed units and operations. Subordi-nate headquarters will be small, agile,mobile, dispersed, and networked.

Faster operations tempos, increasedchoices among weapons and effects, andgreater weapons ranges will requirecontinuous, simultaneous planning andexecution at all levels.

Expanding roles for multinational andinteragency partners will requirecollaborative planning capabilities,technological compatibility/interoperability,and mechanisms for efficient informationsharing.

Finally, as these and other changes takeplace over time, we must carefully examinethree aspects of the human element ofcommand and control. First, leaders of the jointforce must analyze and understand the meaningof unit cohesion in the context of the small,

widely dispersed units that are now envisioned.Second, decision makers at all levels mustunderstand the implications of new technologiesthat operate continuously in all conditions whenhuman beings are incapable of the sameendurance. Third, as new informationtechnologies, systems, and procedures makethe same detailed information available at alllevels of the chain of command, leaders mustunderstand the implications for decision-making

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processes, the training of decision makers at alllevels, and organizational patterns andprocedures. The potential for overcentralizationof control and the capacity for relatively juniorleaders to make decisions with strategic impactare of particular importance.

It has often been said that command isan art and control is a science a basic truththat will remain true. Our thinking aboutcommand and control must be conceptuallybased, rather than focused on technology ormateriel. Joint command and control is a nexus a point of connection. It serves as a focalpoint for humans and technology, our evolvingoperational capabilities, and the capabilities of

the Services. The development of effectivejoint command and control for the futurerequires rigorous and wide-rangingexperimentation, focused especially onorganizational innovation and doctrinal change.

Joint Vision 2010 has had a profoundimpact on the development of US militarycapabilities. By describing those capabilitiesnecessary to achieve success in 2010, we setin motion three important efforts. First, JV 2010established a common framework andlanguage for the Services to develop andexplain their unique contributions to the jointforce. Second, we created a process for theconduct of joint experimentation and training totest ideas against practice. Finally, we began aprocess to manage the transformation ofdoctrine, organization, training, materiel,leadership and education, personnel, andfacilities necessary to make the vision a reality.Joint Vision 2020 builds on this foundation ofsuccess and will sustain the momentum ofthese processes.

The foundation of jointness is thestrength of individual Service competenciespulled together. Our objective in implementingthe joint vision is the optimal integration of alljoint forces and effects. To achieve that goal,the interdependence of the Services requiresmutual trust and reliance among all warfightersand a significantly improved level ofinteroperability especially in the areas ofcommand and control and sustainment. Thisinterdependence will ultimately result in a wholegreater than the sum of its parts, and willcontribute to achieving full spectrum dominancethrough all forces acting in concert. Thesynergy gained through the interdependence ofthe Services makes clear that jointness is morethan interoperability. The joint force requirescapabilities that are beyond the simplecombination of Service capabilities, and joint

experimentation isthe process by whichthose capabilities willbe achieved.

To ensure unity ofeffort and continuityfor joint conceptdevelopment andexperimentation, theSecretary of Defensedesignated theCommander in Chief,

Implementation

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From Concepts to Capabilities

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Joint Forces Command asthe Executive Agent forexperimentation design,preparation, execution,and assessment. Annualcampaign plans providefocus to this effort andcontinuity in experimenta-tion. The results of thisiterative experimentationcycle are forwarded as comprehensiverecommendations for changes in doctrine,organization, training, materiel, leadership andeducation, personnel, and facilities and lead tothe co-evolution of all those elements. Theexperimentation and implementation processsupporting the transformation of the joint forceis also dependent upon Service and combatantcommand exercises and experimentationactivities. The Service and combatantcommand visions support the joint vision byproviding guidance for these individual effortsthat are congruent with the Chairmans vision.Thus, in their own experimentation venues, theServices may develop recommendations withjoint implications and will forward them to theappropriate joint experimentation activity.

To effect transforming and enduringchanges to our joint military capabilities, theexperimentation and implementation processmust include construction of a wide range ofscenarios and imaginative conflict simulationsto explore the shape of future operations. Such

From Vision to Experimentation Joint Vision 2010 (1996) Concept for Future Joint Operations (1997) 21st Century Challenges and Desired Operational Capabilities (1997) Joint Warfighting Experimentation Program established, USACOM (JFCOM) as Executive Agent (1998) Joint Vision Implementation Master Plan (1998) CJCSI 3170, Requirements Generation System (1999) JFCOM Joint Experimentation Campaign Plans (1999 and 2000)

intensive exploration of alternative concepts ofoperations can help the US military chooseinnovations that take the greatest advantage ofcombinations of new ideas and newtechnologies. The rapid pace of such changeswill then drive further development of theexperimentation and implementation process tofield improved capabilities for the joint force.

The linchpin of progress from vision toexperimentation to reality is joint training andeducation because they are the keys tointellectual change. Without intellectualchange, there is no real change in doctrine,organizations, or leaders. Thus, theimplementation process is dependent uponincorporating concepts validated byexperimentation into joint professional militaryeducation programs and joint exercises. In thisway, individual Service members and unitsbecome a joint team capable of success acrossthe full range of military operations.

Conclusion

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This vision is firmly grounded in the viewthat the US military must be a joint forcecapable of full spectrum dominance. Its basisis four-fold: the global interests of the UnitedStates and the continuing existence of a widerange of potential threats to those interests; thecentrality of information technology to theevolution of not only our own military, but alsothe capabilities of other actors around theglobe; the premium a continuing broad range ofmilitary operations will place on the successfulintegration of multinational and interagencypartners and the interoperability of processes,organizations, and systems; and our reliance onthe joint force as the foundation of future USmilitary operations.

further experimentation, exercises, analysis,and conceptual thought, especially in thearenas of information operations, jointcommand and control, and multinational andinteragency operations.

This vision recognizes the importance oftechnology and technical innovation to the USmilitary and its operations. At the same time, itemphasizes that technological innovation must

be accompanied by intellectual innovationleading to changes in organization and doctrine.Only then can we reach the full potential of thejoint force decisive capabilities across the fullrange of military operations. Such a visiondepends upon the skill, experience, and trainingof the people comprising the Total Force andtheir leaders. The major innovations necessaryto operate in the environment depicted hereincan only be achieved through the recruitment,development, and retention of men and womenwith the courage, determination, and strength toensure we are persuasive in peace, decisive inwar, and preeminent in any form of conflict.

Joint Vision 2020 builds on the founda-tion and maintains the momentum establishedwith Joint Vision 2010. It confirms the directionof the ongoing transformation of operationalcapabilities, and emphasizes the importance of