Task Accomplishment in Indo-Asia-Pacific Operations: Unit Recommendations and Justifications

No. 1

Specific units must be assigned to each mission based on their skills, limits, and sustainment capabilities to complete the duties stated in the Indo-Asian-Pacific Situation D. The recommendations listed below justify the selection of potential units for each task:

Establish an MNJTF headquarters within a Joint Operations Area to prepare for non-permissive entry operations.

Recommendation: I Corps (United States Army)

Justification: I Corps can establish and manage an MNJTF headquarters as a sizeable operational-level headquarters. With its extensive command and control capabilities, I Corps can effectively coordinate and synchronize multinational forces in complex environments. Additionally, I Corps possesses sustainment capabilities that enable it to operate independently for an extended period. According to the CBI, I Corps can sustain itself for up to four weeks, ensuring continuity of operations and support during non-permissive entry operations.

Expel enemy forces from northern Sumatra (North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau provinces), stabilize, and hand over to Indonesian security and military forces loyal to the Indonesian National Government.

Recommendation: 25th Infantry Division (United States Army)

Justification: The 25th Infantry Division excels at offensive and counterinsurgency operations (BARRACKS, 2015). Its infantry, armour, artillery, and combat support troops can defeat enemy forces in northern Sumatra. According to the CBI, the division’s sustainment skills enable long-term independence. This allows the division to survive and aid regional stabilization.

Secure the Strait of Malacca (prevent interference with global trade).

Recommendation: CTF-70 Battle Force (Carrier Strike Group)

Justification: The CTF-70 Battle Force, consisting of an aircraft carrier, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and combat logistic ships, provides a robust naval presence with significant air superiority and power projection capabilities (Torruella Jr, 2007). This unit can effectively secure the Strait of Malacca by deterring and countering any potential maritime threats. The carrier-based aircraft can conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions to enhance situational awareness and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade. Regarding sustainment capabilities, the CBI does not provide specific information regarding the duration the CTF-70 Battle Force can sustain itself. However, as a carrier strike group, it has onboard logistics and resupply capabilities to support its operations for an extended period.

Establish port opening and distribution for the Joint Operations Area.

Recommendation: CTF-76 Amphibious Force

Justification: With its LHD, LPD, LSD, and destroyer, the CTF-76 Amphibious Force is the appropriate unit for creating port opening and distribution in the Joint Operations Area. Its amphibious capabilities allow for the speedy deployment of Marines and equipment, while its port operations knowledge ensures efficient logistics, secure areas, and excellent coordination. The destroyer’s presence offers necessary security and contributes to overall operational security, assuring the port’s seamless operation. Overall, the CTF-76’s maritime mobility, embarked Marines, substantial logistical support, and defensive capabilities make it an excellent choice for this crucial mission.

Support Indonesian Military Forces to suppress potential unrest/subversive activities.

Recommendation: 1st Special Forces Group (United States Army)

Justification: With its training in unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations, the 1st Special Forces Group can help Indonesian Military Forces quell unrest and subversion (Votel et al., 2019). These forces can advise, train, and support Indonesian soldiers to improve their capabilities. According to the CBI, Special Forces groups have limited supply access and may need to operate autonomously for long periods. The resources do not list the 1st Special Forces Group’s sustainment period.

No. 2

1. AF C2: By rapidly obtaining, processing, and disseminating information, the Air Force’s C2 mission increases Joint Forces’ decision-making and coordination (Durant, 2018). Air Force C2 gives Joint Forces situational awareness in the Indo-Asian-Pacific, where geopolitical dynamics and threats are complex. They can identify threats, monitor security, and enable real-time military-government communication. Joint Force’s cooperation and integration improve. In 2004, Air Force C2 coordinated a tsunami response. The Air Force promptly collected disaster data, assessed community needs, and coordinated help. The humanitarian effort saved more lives and rebuilt towns. Air Force C2 aids Joint Forces combat. Joint Forces enhance decision-making.
2. AF RGM: RGM lets the Air Force rapidly deploy forces worldwide (Baltrusaitis, 2019). The Indo-Asian-Pacific’s enormous distances and terrain need swift people and equipment movements. With Air Force RGM capabilities, Joint Forces can quickly respond to catastrophes, deter threats, and support humanitarian and disaster relief missions. After Typhoon Haiyan, the Air Force deployed RGMs quickly. Helping victims, the Air Force supplied people and supplies immediately. This prevented deaths and disaster damage. Air Force RGMs aid Joint Forces warfare. Rapid Air Force deployment lets Joint Forces respond to threats and fulfil goals.

Sustainment

Joint Forces depend on Air Force C2 and RGM. These missions help Joint personnel make informed decisions, coordinate activities, and rapidly deploy personnel worldwide. Air Force C2 and RGM missions are long-term. Even without supply lines, the Air Force can sustain these missions. Joint Forces depend on this long-term survival. It lets Joint Forces operate autonomously for long periods, even in harsh conditions. Joint Forces can succeed in any mission with this flexibility and agility.

Specific durations of self-sustainability

Specific self-sustainability lengths for the Air Force’s C2 and RGM missions are classified. However, it is known that the Air Force possesses the means and capabilities to carry out these missions for extended periods, even if their supply lines are disrupted.

No. 3

Task 1: I Corps (United States Army)

Space capabilities are essential to I Corps’s Indo-Asian-Pacific missions. First, space-based assets allow I Corps to acquire vital data and boost situational awareness. Satellite imaging sensors with higher resolution make identifying and tracking prospective adversaries easier. Space-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) helps I Corps monitor enemy goals and networks by tracking and analyzing communications and electronic emissions. I Corps also uses space-based meteorological data to plan and execute operations. Analyzing weather trends and environmental factors helps I Corps plan and make decisions. I Corps mission planning, troop movements, and operational synchronization depend on space-based PNT devices like GPS.

 Task 2: 25th Infantry Division (United States Army)

Space capabilities enhance the Indo-Asian-Pacific operations of the 25th Infantry Division. Space-based assets allow the division to gather intelligence and monitor threats. High-resolution satellite photography lets the division track and evaluate enemy movements and actions. Space-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) enhances the division’s monitoring capabilities by capturing and analyzing adversary communications. The 25th Infantry Division uses space-based meteorological data to assess weather conditions and plan and execute missions. GPS and other space-based navigation and timing (PNT) technologies enable precise force localization, navigation, and synchronization, helping mission planning and execution.

Task 3: CTF-70 Battle Force (Carrier Strike Group)

Space capabilities improve the Indo-Asian-Pacific CTF-70 Battle Force’s operating capability. Space-based assets provide important observation and reconnaissance capabilities, allowing the CTF-70 Battle Force to acquire real-time intelligence on potential adversary movements and actions. Satellite imaging sensors with high-resolution pictures help detect and track threats. By intercepting and analyzing adversary communications, SIGINT from space enhances the CTF-70 Battle Force’s surveillance capabilities (Smith et al., 2021). This data is essential for operational planning and decision-making. The Carrier Strike Group may also monitor and analyze weather trends using space-based meteorological data. Flight safety and efficiency depend on accurate weather information.

No. 4

Due to the requirement for substantial coordination and collaboration among participating nations and the complexity of the threat environment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area, defending cyberspace activities is the most difficult when assembling a multinational joint task force (MNJTF) (Lundy, 2018). With a comprehensive set of threat actors and constantly evolving strategies, protecting against cyber-attacks necessitates a shared understanding of the dangers and a coordinated response. Difficulties with attribution, diverse perspectives on the threat environment, and legal cooperation challenges further complicate defence operations. Despite these limitations, MNJTFs must prioritize building cyber defence capabilities, given the importance of cyberspace in military operations.

Reference

Baltrusaitis, D. F. (2019). A Rapid Global Effects Capability. Air University Press, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education. https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/AUPress/Papers/WF_0062_BALTRUSAITUS_A_RAPID_GLOBAL_EFFECTS_CAPABILITY.pdf

BARRACKS, S. (2015). 25th INFANTRY DIVISION AND. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=dfa8d1c78eec48abb5e6697ac5e0f0c3c95167ac

Durant, B. C. (2018). The Air Force C2 System: An Essential Element of Multi-Domain Battle. Joint Forces Staff College/NDU. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/AD1051005

Lundy, M. D. (2018). Meeting the Challenge of Large-Scale Combat Operations Today and Tomorrow. Military Review, 98(5), 111-118. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/military-review/Archives/English/JF-22/Lundy-LSCO-2018.pdf

Smith, J., Cheng, D., Klingner, B., & Lohman, W. 2023 Index of US Military Strength. https://www.heritage.org/military-strength/assessing-the-global-operating-environment/asia

Torruella Jr, R. A. (2007). Managing the battle rhythm. PACIFIC FLEET FPO SAN FRANCISCO 96601 SEVENTH FLEET. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA481331