Starting Points for DO

[SWJED]

Two references for a first entry on the DO thread: A Concept for Distributed Operations and the Distributed Operations page on Wikipedia.

[cecheese]

This is a great start to getting the understanding of the concept across the board. The hard part is convincing the "naysayers" that it is a necessity. The battle of letting non-aviators call for air is going to be a big part of this.

[WVO]

It seems like we've put gear acquisition before development of concept and a supporting training plan. Anybody agree?

DO requires far deeper consideration of the basic and MOS training required for Marines assigned to DO capable units. Dumping a bunch of radios and computers on a unit then spending a couple of weeks teaching them how to use this gear will not make a unit capable of conducting operations across the spectrum. Either robust, lengthy unit training cycles or longer MOS schools that teach advanced concepts and strategies (cultural impact on ops, maneuver warfare, advanced navigation, weapons proficiency in all organic platoon weapons (the average unit is not as good as you think)) to the most junior Marines are necessary.

[tigerstr]

Originally Posted by WVO

It seems like we've put gear acquisition before development of concept and a supporting training plan. Anybody agree?

DO requires far deeper consideration of the basic and MOS training required for Marines assigned to DO capable units. Dumping a bunch of radios and computers on a unit then spending a couple of weeks teaching them how to use this gear will not make a unit capable of conducting operations across the spectrum. Either robust, lengthy unit training cycles or longer MOS schools that teach advanced concepts and strategies (cultural impact on ops, maneuver warfare, advanced navigation, weapons proficiency in all organic platoon weapons (the average unit is not as good as you think)) to the most junior Marines are necessary.

I could not agree more. And its not only a problem of training. Its a problem of maturity/experience. I am not sure uou can expect from a junior 2LT (or an E-4/E-5) the amount of responsibility and decision making implied by DO.

All the new training initiatives (Combat Hunter, Combat Fitness, TSULC, etc) are great and will help for a better USMC. But the concept of having all Infantry Batallions fully DO capable, seems to be a longshot.

It would probably be more realistic to aim for some Batallions (or a Company in some Battalions, or a Platoon in some Companies).

This would allow for a more mature rank structure.

To give an example, Army Ranger Companies are led by experienced 1LTs and not by 2LTs.

[tigerstr]

According to a very recent news report ( from Inside the Navy) the concept evolved to "Company Enhanced Operations". That is, no independent ops by platoons and squads, but more freedom for companies.

But it seems training initiatives ( combat hunter, TSULC etc) remain and that is very good.