SEPME Module II
Worst course ever! Had to start over on multiple lessons after getting more than halfway through it. I
occasionally hit suspend and resume every 10 or so slides to make sure that I don’t have revisit material
already seen. Some lessons are great; some are too verbose. The server still sucks. And after sitting
through more than 45 hours of instruction, I’m still forced to sit through a 25 slide summary.
Flash
On December 11th 2015, the 19th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford,
Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony and appointed Command
Sergeant Major John W. Troxell, U.S. Army, as the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Select the links below to learn more about Command Sergeant Major Troxell.
Flash
The Armed Forces fulfill unique and crucial roles, defending the United States (U.S) against all
adversaries and serving the Nation as a bulwark and the guarantor of its security and
independence. When called to action, the Armed Forces support and defend national interests
worldwide. The Armed Forces embody the highest values and standards of American society and
the profession of arms. The Armed Forces serve under the civilian control of the President who
is the Commander in Chief.
The primary reference for this module is Joint Pub 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the
United States, 25 March 2013, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of
your screen. Note that Joint Pub 1 incorrectly omits the Secretary of Energy as a statutory
member of the National Security Council (NSC). The statutory members of the NSC are the
President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense (SecDef), and Secretary of
Energy.
Before you get started, take the time to complete the reading requirements, review the module
objectives, and browse the module resources.
If you have any questions, contact your instructor.
Click each button for more information about the lessons in this module.
,[Lesson 2]
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize you with the U.S. national military command
structure. It specifies the national chain of command and command relationships and authorities.
It also examines national planning documents.
In regards to the national planning documents:
The President, SecDef, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) provide national
strategic guidance and direction for Combatant Commanders (CCDRs) and Service Chiefs to
ensure the national strategic objectives are clearly defined, understood, and achievable. The
President issues strategic guidance in the National Security Strategy (NSS) and the Unified
Command Plan (UCP). The SecDef's guidance documents include the Defense Strategic
Guidance (DSG) and the Guidance for Employment of the Force (GEF). CJCS provides
guidance in the National Military Strategy (NMS) and Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP).
The Chairman also issues the Global Force Management Implementation Guidance (GFMIG)
with the approval of the SecDef.
[Lesson 3]
In this lesson, you will learn about the national military command structure. The President and
SecDef exercise authority and control of the Armed Forces through two distinct branches of the
chain of command. The operational branch runs from the President, through the SecDef, to the
CCDRs for missions and forces assigned to their commands. The non-operational branch runs
from the President through the SecDef to the Secretaries of the Military Departments. This
lesson covers the functions of the CJCS, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), the
Joint Staff, Military Departments, and CCDRs.
[Lesson 4]
This lesson reviews several different options for organizing joint forces to include:
Combatant Commands (COCOMs)
Subordinate unified commands
Joint task forces
Service component commands, and
Functional component commands
[Lesson 5]
This lesson covers joint command and control. We will learn that CCDRs exercise COCOM
command authority over assigned forces. Subunified commanders and Joint Task Force (JTF)
commanders exercise Operational Control (OPCON) of joint forces. Other authorities such as
Tactical Control (TACON), Support, Administrative Control (ADCON), Coordinating Authority,
and Direct Liaison Authority (DIRLAUTH) will be presented.
,Module 2
Lesson 3
Please take a moment to read this quote from General George H. Decker, U.S. Army, (Retired).
It provides insight to the importance of Joint Doctrine.
This lesson is designed to teach joint doctrine. Joint doctrine presents fundamental principles that
guide the employment of U.S. military forces in coordinated and integrated action toward a
common objective. It promotes a common perspective from which to plan, train, and conduct
military operations.
Joint doctrine represents what is taught, believed, and advocated as what is right (i.e., what
works best). It provides distilled insights and wisdom gained from employing the military
instrument of national power in operations to achieve national objectives.
Joint doctrine is authoritative guidance and will be followed except when, in the judgment of the
commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. That means doctrine does not replace
or alter a commander's authority and obligation to determine the proper course of action under
the circumstances prevailing at the time of decision; such judgments are the responsibility of the
commander, and doctrine cannot be a substitute for good judgment. Joint doctrine is not
dogmatic. The focus is on how to think about operations, not what to think about operations. Its
purpose is to aid thinking, not to replace it. It must be definitive enough to guide operations
while versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of situations. Joint doctrine should foster
initiative, creativity, and conditions that allow commanders the freedom to adapt to varying
circumstances. The judgment of the commander based upon the situation is always paramount.
For more information on joint doctrine, see Chapter VI in Joint Pub 1, Doctrine for the Armed
Forces of the United States, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of your
screen.
Click the button to learn more about the purpose of joint doctrine.
Flash
The Armed Forces of the U.S. conduct military operations as a joint force. “Joint” connotes
activities, operations, and organizations in which elements of two or more Military Departments
participate. Joint matters relate to the integrated employment of military forces in joint
operations. The nature of the challenges to the U.S. and its interests demand that the Armed
Forces operate as a fully-integrated joint team across the range of military operations. These
operations may take place with the military forces of allies and coalition partners, U.S. and
foreign government agencies, state and local government agencies, and intergovernmental and
nongovernmental organizations. The challenges are best met when all capabilities, military and
civilian, are integrated and synchronized to achieve unity of effort.
, Click the button to learn more about the capacity of the Armed Forces to operate as a cohesive
joint team.
Flash
Joint operations doctrine is built on a sound base of warfighting theory and practical experience.
Its foundation includes the bedrock principles of war and the associated fundamentals of joint
warfare. It seeks to provide joint force commanders with basic guidance to defeat an adversary.
Joint doctrine recognizes the fundamental and beneficial effects of unified action, and the
synchronization and integration of military operations in time, space, and purpose. The chief
principle for employment of U.S. forces is to ensure achievement of the national strategic
objectives established by the President through decisive action while concluding operations on
terms favorable to the U.S.
Joint operations doctrine is dynamic. Although the historic nine principles of war have been
consistent in joint doctrine since its inception, extensive experience in missions across the range
of military operations has identified three additional principles that also may apply to joint
operations. Together, they comprise the 12 principles of joint operations.
For more information on the Principles of Joint Operations, refer to Appendix A of Joint Pub 3-
0, Joint Operations, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of your screen.
12 Principle of Joint Operations – Objective, Offensive, Mass, Economy of Force, Maneuver,
Unity of Command, Security, Surprise, Simplicity, Restraint, Perseverance, Legitimacy
Flash
The security environment is extremely fluid, with continually changing coalitions, alliances,
partnerships, and new national and transnational threats constantly appearing, disappearing, or in
remission. The U.S. military is well positioned to conduct operations but must also be prepared
to address emerging peer competitors and irregular, catastrophic, and disruptive challenges.
These challenges include irregular warfare (IW), catastrophic terrorism employing weapons of
mass destruction (WMD), and disruptive threats to U.S. ability to maintain its qualitative edge
and to project power.
For more information on the security environment, please click the Resources button at the
bottom of your screen, to view Global Trends 2030 prepared by the National Intelligence
Council. This document provides a perspective on future trends, contexts, and implications for
joint force commanders and other professionals in the national security field.
Please click the Resources button at the bottom of your screen, to view an excellent vignette
Worst course ever! Had to start over on multiple lessons after getting more than halfway through it. I
occasionally hit suspend and resume every 10 or so slides to make sure that I don’t have revisit material
already seen. Some lessons are great; some are too verbose. The server still sucks. And after sitting
through more than 45 hours of instruction, I’m still forced to sit through a 25 slide summary.
Flash
On December 11th 2015, the 19th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford,
Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, conducted a change of responsibility ceremony and appointed Command
Sergeant Major John W. Troxell, U.S. Army, as the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Select the links below to learn more about Command Sergeant Major Troxell.
Flash
The Armed Forces fulfill unique and crucial roles, defending the United States (U.S) against all
adversaries and serving the Nation as a bulwark and the guarantor of its security and
independence. When called to action, the Armed Forces support and defend national interests
worldwide. The Armed Forces embody the highest values and standards of American society and
the profession of arms. The Armed Forces serve under the civilian control of the President who
is the Commander in Chief.
The primary reference for this module is Joint Pub 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the
United States, 25 March 2013, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of
your screen. Note that Joint Pub 1 incorrectly omits the Secretary of Energy as a statutory
member of the National Security Council (NSC). The statutory members of the NSC are the
President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense (SecDef), and Secretary of
Energy.
Before you get started, take the time to complete the reading requirements, review the module
objectives, and browse the module resources.
If you have any questions, contact your instructor.
Click each button for more information about the lessons in this module.
,[Lesson 2]
The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize you with the U.S. national military command
structure. It specifies the national chain of command and command relationships and authorities.
It also examines national planning documents.
In regards to the national planning documents:
The President, SecDef, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) provide national
strategic guidance and direction for Combatant Commanders (CCDRs) and Service Chiefs to
ensure the national strategic objectives are clearly defined, understood, and achievable. The
President issues strategic guidance in the National Security Strategy (NSS) and the Unified
Command Plan (UCP). The SecDef's guidance documents include the Defense Strategic
Guidance (DSG) and the Guidance for Employment of the Force (GEF). CJCS provides
guidance in the National Military Strategy (NMS) and Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP).
The Chairman also issues the Global Force Management Implementation Guidance (GFMIG)
with the approval of the SecDef.
[Lesson 3]
In this lesson, you will learn about the national military command structure. The President and
SecDef exercise authority and control of the Armed Forces through two distinct branches of the
chain of command. The operational branch runs from the President, through the SecDef, to the
CCDRs for missions and forces assigned to their commands. The non-operational branch runs
from the President through the SecDef to the Secretaries of the Military Departments. This
lesson covers the functions of the CJCS, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), the
Joint Staff, Military Departments, and CCDRs.
[Lesson 4]
This lesson reviews several different options for organizing joint forces to include:
Combatant Commands (COCOMs)
Subordinate unified commands
Joint task forces
Service component commands, and
Functional component commands
[Lesson 5]
This lesson covers joint command and control. We will learn that CCDRs exercise COCOM
command authority over assigned forces. Subunified commanders and Joint Task Force (JTF)
commanders exercise Operational Control (OPCON) of joint forces. Other authorities such as
Tactical Control (TACON), Support, Administrative Control (ADCON), Coordinating Authority,
and Direct Liaison Authority (DIRLAUTH) will be presented.
,Module 2
Lesson 3
Please take a moment to read this quote from General George H. Decker, U.S. Army, (Retired).
It provides insight to the importance of Joint Doctrine.
This lesson is designed to teach joint doctrine. Joint doctrine presents fundamental principles that
guide the employment of U.S. military forces in coordinated and integrated action toward a
common objective. It promotes a common perspective from which to plan, train, and conduct
military operations.
Joint doctrine represents what is taught, believed, and advocated as what is right (i.e., what
works best). It provides distilled insights and wisdom gained from employing the military
instrument of national power in operations to achieve national objectives.
Joint doctrine is authoritative guidance and will be followed except when, in the judgment of the
commander, exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise. That means doctrine does not replace
or alter a commander's authority and obligation to determine the proper course of action under
the circumstances prevailing at the time of decision; such judgments are the responsibility of the
commander, and doctrine cannot be a substitute for good judgment. Joint doctrine is not
dogmatic. The focus is on how to think about operations, not what to think about operations. Its
purpose is to aid thinking, not to replace it. It must be definitive enough to guide operations
while versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of situations. Joint doctrine should foster
initiative, creativity, and conditions that allow commanders the freedom to adapt to varying
circumstances. The judgment of the commander based upon the situation is always paramount.
For more information on joint doctrine, see Chapter VI in Joint Pub 1, Doctrine for the Armed
Forces of the United States, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of your
screen.
Click the button to learn more about the purpose of joint doctrine.
Flash
The Armed Forces of the U.S. conduct military operations as a joint force. “Joint” connotes
activities, operations, and organizations in which elements of two or more Military Departments
participate. Joint matters relate to the integrated employment of military forces in joint
operations. The nature of the challenges to the U.S. and its interests demand that the Armed
Forces operate as a fully-integrated joint team across the range of military operations. These
operations may take place with the military forces of allies and coalition partners, U.S. and
foreign government agencies, state and local government agencies, and intergovernmental and
nongovernmental organizations. The challenges are best met when all capabilities, military and
civilian, are integrated and synchronized to achieve unity of effort.
, Click the button to learn more about the capacity of the Armed Forces to operate as a cohesive
joint team.
Flash
Joint operations doctrine is built on a sound base of warfighting theory and practical experience.
Its foundation includes the bedrock principles of war and the associated fundamentals of joint
warfare. It seeks to provide joint force commanders with basic guidance to defeat an adversary.
Joint doctrine recognizes the fundamental and beneficial effects of unified action, and the
synchronization and integration of military operations in time, space, and purpose. The chief
principle for employment of U.S. forces is to ensure achievement of the national strategic
objectives established by the President through decisive action while concluding operations on
terms favorable to the U.S.
Joint operations doctrine is dynamic. Although the historic nine principles of war have been
consistent in joint doctrine since its inception, extensive experience in missions across the range
of military operations has identified three additional principles that also may apply to joint
operations. Together, they comprise the 12 principles of joint operations.
For more information on the Principles of Joint Operations, refer to Appendix A of Joint Pub 3-
0, Joint Operations, which can be accessed from the Resources link at the bottom of your screen.
12 Principle of Joint Operations – Objective, Offensive, Mass, Economy of Force, Maneuver,
Unity of Command, Security, Surprise, Simplicity, Restraint, Perseverance, Legitimacy
Flash
The security environment is extremely fluid, with continually changing coalitions, alliances,
partnerships, and new national and transnational threats constantly appearing, disappearing, or in
remission. The U.S. military is well positioned to conduct operations but must also be prepared
to address emerging peer competitors and irregular, catastrophic, and disruptive challenges.
These challenges include irregular warfare (IW), catastrophic terrorism employing weapons of
mass destruction (WMD), and disruptive threats to U.S. ability to maintain its qualitative edge
and to project power.
For more information on the security environment, please click the Resources button at the
bottom of your screen, to view Global Trends 2030 prepared by the National Intelligence
Council. This document provides a perspective on future trends, contexts, and implications for
joint force commanders and other professionals in the national security field.
Please click the Resources button at the bottom of your screen, to view an excellent vignette
