Defining the Navy's Future Role In Joint Warfare

Policy documents, such as Joint Vision 2020 and Sea Power 21, have outlined the path to a truly joint environment. The role of the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC) is critical to the Navy's future in the joint maritime environment. However, the doctrine to support the construct for the JFMCC has been slow to develop while that of the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) and the Joint Force Land Component Commander (JFLCC) has been defined and matured. In order to move forward, the role and realm of the JFMCC requires definition and direction. This will minimize seams among the air, land and sea component commanders. This process cannot be done with doctrine alone. Commanders must understand the unique culture of the Naval Service to overcome biases that can prevent true jointness. Through joint doctrine and joint education and training the role of the JFMCC can be solidified. In doing so, the Joint Force Commander will increase the effectiveness of his forces as unity of command is achieved and the component forces become a true joint force.