Overview
/ Theater Missile Defense / C4I Architecture
/ Personnel / Research and Development
Chapter 6: Theater Strategy
Overview
/ Theater Missile Defense / C4I Architecture
/ Personnel / Research and Development
Research and development is a vital enabling requirement
There are certain requirements that must be met to enable USCENTCOM to successfully execute its theater strategy. Some of these key areas -- prepositioning, strategic lift and security assistance (such as IMET and FMF) -- were addressed under their respective pillars. Others include theater missile defense, a comprehensive and modern C4I architecture, top quality personnel programs, and the technological superiority that can only be maintained through ambitious Service research and development (R&D) programs.
The continued proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction, combined with the relative ease with which potential adversaries can enhance armaments through purchases of "off-the- shelf" technology, calls for enhanced theater missile defenses and space-based capabilities to protect friendly forces, support USCENTCOM strategy, and facilitate warfighting. The priority in this area over the next ten years should be to establish a multi-layered missile defense founded on the lower-tier Patriot Advanced Capability III, with a variant for naval defense; upper-tier Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD); and highly mobile point defense Corps SAM (surface-to-air missile) to protect ground forces maneuvering rapidly over extended distances.
C4I architecture is also critical to the Command's efforts in the region. The chart below identifies several specific areas in which C4I shortcomings have been targeted by USCENTCOM sponsored initiatives.
Quality personnel remain USCENTCOM's most valuable readiness asset. World events in the Central Region keep the tempo of operations high, yet across the board, USCENTCOM Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines continue to meet all challenges with pride and professionalism. Some of USCENTCOM's personnel initiatives to build upon this success and enhance the quality of life within the Command are:
U.S. Central Command supports a robust research and development (R&D) strategy to ensure the U.S. maintains it technological superiority into the next century. Much of our current edge in technology (such as the C-17, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stealth aircraft, and high resolution focal plane sensor systems) resulted from R&D efforts of 15 to 30 years ago. While those efforts have served us well, most were focused on Cold War strategic requirements. With our current emphasis on forward presence and fighting regional contingencies, that focus must change. Existing and future R&D efforts which can increase the effectiveness, lethality, and survivability of our weapons while decreasing lift requirements are essential elements in the overall U.S. warfighting strategy. Such technological enhancements will enable us to tailor a shrinking force structure to maintain peak combat effectiveness.
