C3 planning for theater combined operations

In a global environment greatly influenced by the perception of a reduced threat and the reality of tighter fiscal planning, the Department of Defense is faced with the need to reduce theater resources and increase combined operations. The authors identify major command, control, and communications (C³) issues associated with combined operations and recommend a methodology for developing a C³ structure to satisfy them. The structured methodology can be used by the US and its allies to develop, assess, and implement a C³ infrastructure. The methodology is a top-down driven approach that ensures the commander´s ability to conduct assigned missions. It is presented in the following four phases: definition of capability objectives: assessment of C³ systems; development of alternative C³ improvement packages; and development of a C ³ implementation plan. These four steps describe a structured approach that focuses on the C³ resources necessary to execute a combined force´s mission