ORAC
31st Jul 2002, 20:25
Here we go again. I was just getting used to the new bi-MNC structure and regions. I just hope they actually manage to rationalise it a bit better this time.
JDW:
.....Under consideration is replacing the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) post in Norfolk, Virginia, with a command devoted to modernising and closing the capabilities gap among NATO forces.
The concept mirrors changes under way in the US Department of Defense's command structure to take away the operational mission of the US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) so it can focus on US military transformation and joint experimentation (Jane's Defence Weekly 24 April). USJFCOM Commander-in-Chief Gen William Kernan also serves as SACLANT, but in October will step down and the position will be left unfilled pending a 'bottom-up' review of NATO's command structure........
The demise of SACLANT in its current form was set in motion with the changes to DoD's Unified Command Plan, which also involved the creation of a US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) with responsibility for the defence of North America.......
The commander of a new transformation command might retain SACLANT's strategic role status, although the current vision has the position acting as a functional commander with operational control of all NATO military forces vested in the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. A key piece of that idea includes maintaining a joint combined headquarters with operational command of maritime forces in the western Atlantic to maintain the naval connection..............
Other members, like France, which has long been dissatisfied with what it perceives as a USA-centric NATO command structure, are expected to be more concerned with how a USA-based command fits in with other changes in the overall command structure. The review may result in consolidation or reductions of command structures elsewhere.
A formal plan for altering the structure may be adopted at NATO's 21-22 November summit in Prague and implemented over the following year.
JDW:
.....Under consideration is replacing the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) post in Norfolk, Virginia, with a command devoted to modernising and closing the capabilities gap among NATO forces.
The concept mirrors changes under way in the US Department of Defense's command structure to take away the operational mission of the US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) so it can focus on US military transformation and joint experimentation (Jane's Defence Weekly 24 April). USJFCOM Commander-in-Chief Gen William Kernan also serves as SACLANT, but in October will step down and the position will be left unfilled pending a 'bottom-up' review of NATO's command structure........
The demise of SACLANT in its current form was set in motion with the changes to DoD's Unified Command Plan, which also involved the creation of a US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) with responsibility for the defence of North America.......
The commander of a new transformation command might retain SACLANT's strategic role status, although the current vision has the position acting as a functional commander with operational control of all NATO military forces vested in the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. A key piece of that idea includes maintaining a joint combined headquarters with operational command of maritime forces in the western Atlantic to maintain the naval connection..............
Other members, like France, which has long been dissatisfied with what it perceives as a USA-centric NATO command structure, are expected to be more concerned with how a USA-based command fits in with other changes in the overall command structure. The review may result in consolidation or reductions of command structures elsewhere.
A formal plan for altering the structure may be adopted at NATO's 21-22 November summit in Prague and implemented over the following year.