Operational Assumptions
- The enemy picks the time and place to initiate the conflict (i.e., we are surprised).
- We then attain control of the initiative through superior speed, knowledge, and capacity to act and react.
- Our forces are perceived to be invincible; engagements must convince the enemy there is no hope.
- Combat must be unrelenting and omnipresent at times, places, and tempo of choosing.
- Allied operations must be thoroughly integrated, from political objectives through combat to include psychological warfare.
- The enemy must be hit in those areas of greatest importance to him and devastated by the ferocity and swiftness of our attack.
From these assumptions, certain operational criteria follow that help to define a Rapid Dominance Force with more specificity in improving:
- Intelligence, indications, and warning on an aggressor's actions
- The length of time required for a decision to react
- Decisive responses at various levels and times after the
crises or conflict begins to develop:
- Respond in 1 to 3 days with air and missile strikes and special forces
- Respond in 5 to 10 days with more massive power up to and including a joint task force of corps size
- Respond in 10 to 30 days with a second corps