Effective Command and Control for Global Missile Defense

Effective command and control is a precondition to any successful defense. By contemplating the genesis of missile defense and missile threats, one can identify four significant challenges to missile defense command and control and, subsequently, three sensible solutions to enable an effective, global missile defense for the U.S. With a good understanding of the Ballistic Missile Defense System in hand, including the political background behind the system, the characteristics of the missile threat, and a description of the assets that comprise the system, it is possible to understand the complexities associated with employing the system effectively. New developments in the missile threat, efficient use of these missile defense assets, doctrinal missile defense authority, and operational missile defense time constraints all create significant challenges to effective command and control of missile defense forces. In order to reconcile the BMDS with its political and technical past, and to solve the operational challenges outlined above, BMDS, DoD, and national leadership need to take action in the areas of missile defense lines of authority, equipping of missile defense forces, and weapons control strategy.