IV. Purpose and objectives

The description of the purposes and objectives of MC 02 came from several sources both before and after the game was completed. Some of those sources and descriptions are set out below. And don't worry--some of the techinical terms will be defined in a separate section.

A. USJFCOM publication prior to MC 02

Here's what USJFCOM said in is publication “Millennium Challenge 02" regarding the objectives of MC 02:

MC02 focuses on how a U.S. explores the military's ability to conduct Rapid Decisive Operations (RDO) against a determined adversary.

Other objectives included the following:

Determine the extent to which a joint force is able to implement the principles outlined in Joint Vision 2020 [9] via the RDO concept through:

• Establishing and maintaining information/knowledge superiority
• Setting the conditions for decisive operations
• Assuring access into and through the battle space
• Conducting effects-based operations
• Sustaining itself as it conducts synchronized non-contiguous operations

Develop improved joint training capabilities through experimentation efforts

Develop goals and objectives for future USJFCOM transformation events

Produce recommendations for current doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) in order to more effectively use our current major systems by developing and adapting a new set of principles.

B. Gen. Kernan

Gen. William “Buck” Kernan, the head of USJFCOM, described the goals of MC 02 in a press briefing on July 18, 2002:

Our main intent here in this experiment is to determine the extent to which our forces are able to establish and maintain knowledge superiority, assure access into and throughout the battle space, leverage all national elements of power, and sustain ourselves as we conduct operations against adversaries that may come at us very differently than we have experienced in the past.

MC '02 will test four key concepts, some of which have already been mentioned: effects based operations, operation net assessment, standing joint force headquarters, and the joint interagency coordination group. Each of these contribute to rapid, decisive operations. We are determined to create a joint force that is interoperable, responsive, agile, precise and lethal, fully capitalizing on the information revolution and advanced technologies available today. [10]

(emphasis added). At the same press briefing. Gen. Kernan also said that MC 02 was “the key to military transformation.” [11]

C. Some simpler descriptions

Here's a more concise statement of MC 02's objectives: [T]he experiment’s main purpose was to test a handful of key war-fighting concepts that Joint Forces Command had developed over the last several years.” [12] USJFCOM's publication also provides this clue: “MC 02 is a critical building block of military transformation.” [13] Stated even more simply, MC 02 was about proving the concepts behind RMA.

As USJFCOM said in “Millennium Challenge 02," “Joint experimentation fosters an operational, decision-making culture in the defense of our nation by exploring the threats of tomorrow today. The basic premise is that critical decisions on future military doctrine, organization and technology should be based on solid empirical results.” (emphasis added). Any claim that MC 02 resulted in “solid empirical results” is debatable.
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9. Joint Vision 2020 , published in June 2000 by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presents the basic plan for transformation of the armed forces (RMA). This document will be discussed in detail later.

10. Special Pentagon briefing on Millennium Challenge 2002, July 18, 2002.

11. Id.

12. Naylor, “War Games Rigged?”

13. The Joint Forces Command Glossary defines “transformation” as “The creation of a force that is dominant across the full spectrum of military operations - persuasive in peace, decisive in war, preeminent in any form of conflict.”