Peace & Stability Journal Volume 5, Issue 4 | Page 36

Validate the need for a J7 FDF in its operating forces Although an FDF is not required or noted in joint doctrine at the joint force operational levels, the WG identified a need for a dedicated joint force staff function (e.g., J7). A J7 directorate focused on force development could assess the mission, temper expectation management of interested stakeholders, and assist in assessing the HN absorptive capacity.11 Well-executed assessments provide the JFC the information to ensure resources, personnel, funds and equipment are properly aligned to mission requirements, which may also include, the consideration of HN or other regional stakeholders’ requirements. Additionally, a proper assessment may enable a JFC to recognize other capacity from other stakeholders that can be brought to bear on the mission. To align mission requirements, the assessment may show the HN has neither the absorptive capacity12 to accept or take responsibility for U.S. resources, nor possess the desire to do so. As noted in the Burundi Lessons Learned case, nations engaged in Security Force development, often tend to conduct “train and equip” missions with which they are most comfortable.13 For many nations, a “Train and equip” strategy is easier to execute. Contributing nations can more easily measure relative success since funding expenditures can be tied to a physical provision of resources and services. A proper assessment of HN capability may show a contemplated “train and equip” plan may not be desired by the HN, or may not be financially feasible from a prolonged sustainment perspective beyond the initial period of assistance from the contributing country. A JFC can use the assessments to manage expectations by separating mission requirements from desires, or by identifying other stakeholders, thereby ensuring no over-commitment of capabilities in support of the HN (i.e., linking an offered capability or resource with an actual or validated requirement). While the assessment data may already show the absorptive capability of a HN, an assessment may show the availability of Interagency or non-governmental organization partnerships to assist in supporting the HN requirements. With the ability to foresee available capabilities, a JFC may be in the position to efficiently allocate resources or funding for other needs. The J7 FDF can ensures these types of assessments and lessons learned are shared and integrated force-wide as appropriate. Understand and maximize the use of GFM SORs to support SSA requirements In order to advance the use of existing GFM SORs to support SSA Force Management requirements, a JFC must have a J7 34 FDF to improve Joint Manning Document ( JMD) processes in collaboration with the J1 and the J3 staff directorates.14 The WG determined that a well-articulated and detailed JMD, or RFF/RFA, was necessary to inform the joint force management process to provide capable SFA units, teams, and Joint Individual Augmentees ( JIAs).15 For instance, the personnel management SOR shows basic required information fields of billet, grade, and skill code, but often does not identify specific information to inform the service of the type of training or experience require