Distributed Operations Concept 14 June 2005 UNCLASSIFIED

Displayed as linear; spiral and iterative in practice Concepts in Action Doctrine + Organization Training Materiel Leader development Personnel Facilities Integrated Warfighting Capability Concept Experimentation = Displayed as linear; spiral and iterative in practice

Genesis of the Concept Opportunities Threats Experience Terrorism Insurgency Quality Irregular Warfare Competence Threats Opportunities

Distributed Operations Genesis of the Concept Distributed Operations Opportunities Threats

Distributed Ops Defined “…an operating approach that will create an advantage over an adversary through the deliberate use of separation and coordinated, interdependent, tactical actions enabled by increased access to functional support, as well as by enhanced combat capabilities at the small-unit level.” Synopsis of the Central Idea

Distributed Ops Characteristics An extension of maneuver warfare Spatial advantages Temporal advantages Decentralization of decisionmaking—A Hallmark Drives authority “down” the chain of command Leverages skill of junior leaders Additive capability and different approach.... “another arrow in the quiver” Complementary: employed in conjunction with other operational approaches (e.g., OMFTS, STOM)

Historical Precedents Finnish Army: Winter War Chindits & XIV Army: WWII Burma Combined Action Program: Vietnam

Integrated in Three Dimensions Focused on the Marine D O T M L P F Marine Air-Ground Task Force Battlespace Operating Systems Maneuver-Fires-C2-Intel-CSS-Force Protection