Operational Functions of U.S. Army Contingency Headquarters

<p>As the U.S. Army continues to refine its operational doctrine the performance of higher headquarters in meeting the requirements of that doctrine becomes a critical factor in the successful prosecution of modern war. This study examines the operational functions of U.S. Army higher headquarters and their failure to keep pace with the dynamic doctrinal requirements created by FM 100-5 Operations and the changing nature of the battlefield. Most significant it analyzes requirements for higher headquarters the functions headquarters should perform operational characteristics of historical U.S. headquarters and the changes needed in two current contingency headquarters. The study concludes that U.S. Army contingency headquarters currently fall short of fully satisfying either the requirements or a process for the adequate prosecution of the operational level of war. However the conclusions drawn from this investigation suggest that the problem is correctable provided: (1) Higher headquarters define the aim for the entire operational side of the war and determine the series of actions intended to achieve it. (2) Operational headquarters develop an operational process immersed in education and thinking. Performance measurement of this process is achieved by analyzing the operational functions of responsiveness effectiveness and efficiency within the headquarters. (3) In order to align themselves with current doctrine and the battlefield contingency headquarters should press for the development of echelon above corps doctrine significant changes in headquarters resourcing and the elimination of the requirement to dual-hat commanders between logistical and operational functions. The ultimate purpose of the operational level headquarters is to structure efficiently effectively and responsively the operational level of war so that engagements battles and campaigns achieve strategic significance. This study supports the proposition that contingency headquart</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>