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JOINT WARFIGHTERS (JWF)

The charter of the Joint Warfighters (JWF) Joint Test and Evaluation (JT&E) project is to investigate, evaluate, and improve the operational effectiveness of joint operations against time-sensitive surface targets (TSST) by evaluating and documenting current time-sensitive surface target processes and procedures in realistic operational scenarios. Potential improvements will be identified, prioritized, and coordinated with the appropriate commands.

For Joint Warfighter JT&E, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and unified commands are designated as participating Services/commands, with the Army designated as the lead Service and executive agent.

Targeting in general, and the prosecution of time-sensitive targets in particular, was often cited as deficient in nearly all reports on the Persian Gulf War. One of many examples of this issue is demonstrated by the fact that the first Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ever fired in combat was delayed hours, in part, while appropriate clearance was coordinated by all of the various nodes. While procedures were refined during the course of the war, it was not unusual for subsequent firings to be delayed up to two hours for clearance.

JWF participated in Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL 99) Command Post Exercise (CPX) in the Republic of Korea in August 1999 to baseline the joint Time Sensitive Surface Target (TSST) prosecution process. In October 1999, Joint Warfighters began preparations for the UFL 00 test activity of the enhanced joint TSST process in the Korean Theater of Operations by analyzing the data collected during UFL 99. Enhancements were developed for implementation within the framework of the processes documented in the UFL 99 baseline test activity. Throughout the remainder of 1999 and through May 2000, JWF personnel worked with theater personnel from U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) (J3 and J6) and the Service components to refine, install, and test the following theater enhancements during UFL 00:

• TSST Information Network. This network provides functional positions the ability to coordinate laterally and share information quickly and accurately.
• TSST Guide. This guide is to be used as a ready reference of theater and component Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), capabilities, and reference materials.
• TSST Web Page and Server. The TSST Web Page is an extension of, and is linked to, the USFK/J3-OP web server to provide customized, near real-time information posting.
• Collaborative Tool. USFK/J6-IS has authorized the use of Microsoft NetMeeting version 2.11. The TSST Information Network provides the TSST functional positions the capability to coordinate in a more accurate, complete, and timely manner.
• Secure Conferencing. This provides the TSST Information Network a secure, bridged communication capability. Its primary functions are to provide lateral notification of TSST execution, notify members of the TSST Information Network of a collaborative session, and serve as backup tool for lateral coordination.

The TSST Network enhancements were configured on 20 stations at various centers. The network resided on the Global Command and Control System-Korea (GCCS-K) Wide Area Net (WAN) and included the use of NetMeeting as a collaborative tool and the TSST Web Page. To support the use of the enhancements, a NetMeeting set-up and user guide was prepared and given to the positions along with a TSST Guide outlining the TSST process and enhancements. The TSST Guide was also available on the TSST Web Page.

Blue Flag 00-2 was another opportunity for JWF to baseline the joint targeting process, this time for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). Blue Flag 00-2 was held from March 1-9, 2000, with exercise play running March 5-8, 2000. Blue Flag 00-2 was a CPX to train the USCENTCOM joint air operations center battle staffs with limited involvement and support from the other USCENTCOM Service components. The exercise used a limited Southwest Asia scenario with ground forces in fixed, defensive posture.

JWF used the preceding year to finalize data analysis and prepare reports for the UFL 00 exercise, the Blue Flag 00-2 exercise, and the JWF final report. Additionally, the team assisted in establishing the Joint Battle Damage Assessment, a follow-on JT&E, into future UFL scenarios.

As a direct result of this JT&E, several important changes in prosecuting the TSST mission were incorporated in USFK. The changes are being reviewed by other theaters of operation to determine implementation feasibility.