Robert Peters
The UCP, updated periodically, assigns combatant commands authority over various parts of the world and key missions, including nuclear deterrence, homeland defense, and logistics. Today, the UCP is overdue for a major update, as it no longer lends itself to a grand strategy aimed at deterring Chinese aggression.
Because the UCP’s existing focus on strict geographic boundaries, wherein EUCOM focuses on Russia and Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) focuses on China, existing planning and command of military forces is siloed by combatant command. This siloed command structure prevents the integrated, global planning required for the US military in the event of a war with China.
In addition, the current structure is inefficient, with too many command headquarters and staffers. Each combatant command is led by four-star military officers and staffed by a host of generals, admirals, and civilian senior executives—to say nothing of the scores of mid-grade officers who support the generals. It is worth examining whether a merger of several regional commands could lead to more efficient planning and operations and better prepare the Department of Defense for the deteriorating global security environment.
Make the Joint Staff the supported (i.e., lead) command for global operations during a war with China. Currently, the UCP identifies INDOPACOM as the lead command for planning a conflict with China. The Department of Defense should consider updating the UCP so that INDOPACOM remains the lead command in the Western Pacific while the Joint Staff coordinates the planning and execution of global operations against Chinese targets outside the Pacific theater.
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