Download

Download eBook for Free

Full Document

FormatFile SizeNotes
PDF file 3.1 MB

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience.

Research Summary

FormatFile SizeNotes
PDF file 0.1 MB

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience.

Purchase

Purchase Print Copy

 FormatList Price Price
Add to Cart Paperback172 pages $44.00 $35.20 20% Web Discount

Research Questions

  1. Is the existing RMF framework fundamentally sound, requiring only modest adjustments?
  2. Should the current framework be replaced by another agreement that would recast RMF assignments?
  3. Are narrowly defined responsibilities a hindrance to agility and innovation in the armed forces, and should they be scrapped entirely?

The formal decisions, documents, and events that established the roles, missions, and functions (RMF) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the military services in the early postwar years are over 70 years old. Although the foundational documents and agreements have been modified, the original division of labor among the services remains largely unchanged, and a fundamental reassessment of RMF may be in order. At least two services—the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the U.S. Army—envision themselves as the principal integrator of All-Domain Operations. Additionally, the creation of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) raises RMF issues both within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and across the services.

In this report, the authors identify RMF disputes that have endured as problems for the USAF, some factors associated with major RMF events, and reasons why reform efforts have often failed. The authors have crafted a framework for analyzing the RMF implications of strategic-level guidance, such as the 2018 National Defense Strategy, emerging operational concepts, and the creation of the USSF. The key question for USAF leaders is whether the existing framework is fundamentally sound (requiring only modest adjustments), whether it should be replaced by another agreement that would recast RMF assignments, or whether narrowly defined responsibilities are a hindrance to agility and innovation and should be scrapped entirely. The authors present their findings and recommendations, considering how the vision that USAF leaders choose for the service's future will influence the relative attractiveness of possible courses of action.

Key Findings

  • The USAF's vision for its future must inform any alternative roles and mission courses of action that it seeks to pursue.
  • It remains unclear whether future DAF, USAF, and USSF visions, narratives, and concepts will be fully integrated or simply aligned.
  • In spite of Joint All-Domain Operations and Joint All-Domain Command and Control, the USAF lacks a narrative that clearly explains how it will generate airpower in a contested anti-access/area denial environment.
  • There is no single trigger for RMF disputes, but interservice tensions are most commonly associated with ownership of new capabilities or control of a major function.
  • Major DoD reorganization and RMF reform efforts have failed more often than not.
  • Defense agencies are not traditionally considered part of the RMF debates but compete with the services for equities and resources.

Recommendations

  • Consider RMF implications of alternative visions for the USAF.
  • Align or integrate the USAF public narrative, vision, concepts, organization, and force structure with DAF and USSF efforts.
  • Use the public narrative to explain how the USAF's desired roles, functions, and capabilities uniquely serve the nation.
  • Identify new technologies and capabilities that are priorities for the USAF.
  • Reconcile existing RMF frictions through cooperation and compromise with the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Joint Staff, and defense agencies.
  • Encourage DoD to include defense agencies in all RMF assessments.

Table of Contents

  • Chapter One

    Introduction

  • Chapter Two

    Overview of Roles, Missions, and Functions in the Department of Defense

  • Chapter Three

    Implications for Roles and Missions of the National Defense Strategy and Emerging Warfighting Concepts

  • Chapter Four

    Roles and Missions Implications of Alternative USAF Visions

  • Chapter Five

    Findings and Recommendations

  • Appendix A

    History of Major Department of Defense Roles and Missions Events

  • Appendix B

    Overview of Enduring USAF–U.S. Army RMF Disputes

  • Appendix C

    U.S. Marine Corps Force Design 2030: Process Lessons for USAF Planners

  • Appendix D

    Title 10 Service Responsibilities and Department of Defense Functions Identified in Department of Defense Directive 5100.01

Research conducted by

This research was commissioned by LeeAnn Borman, Deputy Director for Strategy, Concepts, and Assessments, Headquarters, USAF, and conducted within the Strategy and Doctrine Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE.

This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.