it a JTF [joint task force], we need to put a flag over it.’
If you put a flag over it, where does that flag operate
from? Where’s his C2 [command and control] spaces?
Where’s his staff? So it becomes a pickup game. And
generally, they impose on the assets already available,”
Berry said.
“If you already have a flag out there, they’re in a
better position to just accept more resources and it
becomes more seamless,” he said.
It is assumed there would be a senior Marine officer
on the Littoral Combat Group staff.
One of the things they need to do is “a functional
analysis of the command function of this organi-
zation,” Berry said. But, “if you want to combine
Sailors and Marines more cohesively in an integrated
battlespace then we need to invest in putting some
Marines in the fleet and maritime component com-
mand staff to advise on our capabilities, limitations
and supply requirements.”
It is still to be determined if the Littoral Combat
Group would be a permanent organization or stood
up as needed, he said. Currently, there are not enough
surface combatants or amphibs to allow a standing
organization. But, “as you evolve the force of the
future, it may come to that.”
The completed LOCE document was signed by
Richardson and Neller in February.
There is no firm time line for executing LOCE, Berry
said.
“The 2025 milestone was only for the capability
analysis. If you gave me a blank check today and said,
‘go buy anything you want,’ I doubt we could make
this concept come to fruition within that time frame.”
In fact, the concept document says at the start, “the
purpose of this concept is to promote unity of effort in
naval innovation,” and advocates “lots of wargaming,
experimentation and live exercises” before the services
begin changing doctrine and organizations.
A key part of the concept is an action plan with 18
tasks, to be accomplished within six to 24 months.
They are expected to generate new tasks. The 18
tasks include developing the Navy’s part of expe-
ditionary advanced operating bases and a lot of
experimentation.
“This is an ongoing thing. Evolutionary, not revolutionary,” Berry said. n
