Author Description

The Joint Task Force- Port Opening is a GRF assigned non-standing JTF designed to rapidly deploy in support of GCC requirements to rapidly open a port of debarkation prior to the arrival of RFF units. Once activated, JTF-PO assigned units transition operational control from their respective assigned Army, Air Force, and Navy chains of commands directly to USTRANSCOM for the duration of employment. This paper examined the current command construct through the lens of Mission Command Philosophy and addresses the question: is JTF-PO's OPCON relationship with USTRANSCOM the appropriate task organization under the principles of Mission Command? This qualitative analysis used in-depth interviewing to gain a perspective of the perceived benefits and disadvantages of the current OPCON relationship with USTRANSCOM, as well as two proposed alternative OPCON relationships: GCC operational control and service component retention of operation control. This analysis included viewpoints from Army, Air Force, and Navy officers in grades O4-O6 with significant experience in JTF-PO operations. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW * Joint Task Force-Port Opening Introduction and Background * Mission Command Introduction and Background * Limitations and Delimitations * Summary * CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW * Mission Command Doctrine * Mission Command Academic Articles and Case Studies * JTF-PO in Doctrine * JTF-PO Newsletters and Articles * Summary * CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY * In-depth Interviewing * Snowball Sampling * Interview Process * CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS * Building Teams through Mutual Trust * Create Shared Understanding * Provide a Clear Commander's Intent * Exercise Disciplined Initiative * Use Mission Orders * Accept Prudent Risk * Summary * CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS * Recommendations * Recommendation 1 * Recommendation 2 * Recommendation 3 * Recommendation 4 * Recommendation 5 * Final Thoughts * GLOSSARY