Author Description

This research project was designed to answer the question of whether there is a need to have a pool of Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) operators. The question stems from the researcher's personal experience as a JOPES operator for Army Central Command planning and executing all movements of equipment and personnel into and out of theater. During this assignment the researcher found that there were gaps in where JOPES operators are employed. These gaps became critical when changes to the movement plan were required to meet the mission requirement. Few or no JOPES trained personnel were available, which caused a bottleneck in the deployment process. A content analysis was conducted to answer the question by gathering a large number of professional and doctrinal writings that discussed the use of JOPES in the execution of movements during a deployment. Analysis of this material was conducted by organizing the objective research information into categories of where JOPES' operators are employed, JOPES training requirements, and utilization of Military Occupational Specialty or Additional Skill Identifier as a solution. Research found that there is a need for a pool of JOPES operators and development of an Additional Skill Identifier is the solution.