CRS On UCP, COCOMs

The Congressional Research Service this week issued a report on the Unified Command Plan and the combatant commands.

The July 17 report -- originally obtained by Secrecy News -- lists several topics for congressional introspection:

Potential issues for Congress include the implications of a strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific region. Another issue is whether there is a need for greater interagency involvement in the UCP development process. A possible area for congressional concern is if Geographical COCOMs have made U.S. foreign policy "too militarized." Some have also suggested there might be a need for separate COCOMs apart from the current nine to better address emerging regional and ethnic alignments as well as emerging threats such as cyber warfare. Finally, if Congress believes the current COCOM construct does not meet contemporary or future security requirements, there are proposals for alternative organizational structures that might prove more effective.

Here is some of InsideDefense.com's recent coverage of the COCOMS and the UCP:

Proposal To Elevate SOCOM's Clout Among COCOMs Still Under Review
(Inside the Army - 04/16/2012)

DOD To Review Unified Command Plan In Light Of New Defense Strategy
(Inside the Army - 01/16/2012)