Environmental Concerns of the Joint Task Force Commander

This paper addresses a spectrum of environmental factors most likely to influence future operations of Joint Task Forces. Careful examination of these operational level factors provides the commander with insight into potential problems. The analysis of these problem areas is a composite of lessons learned and logical predictions derived from original thought and professional teachings. The euphoria of modern war is high technology. Imprudent commanders ignore environmental effects and risk surrendering initiative by investing total trust in a high tech hole. Conflicts of the future will most likely involve low intensity clashes instead of major conventional warfare. Commanders must be prepared to execute the necessary shift in operational focus. Post war duties are a mission Joint Task Force commanders must accomplish in order to maintain leverage for diplomatic negotiators. Planning sanctions success. Familiarity with the specific operational environment allows immediate initiative in theater and capitalizes on momentum. Caution preempts over-reliance on specific sensors. Future victory can only be assured by exploitation of the environment.