HIMARS IMPACT ON JOINT FUNCTIONS
HIMARS IMPACT ON JOINT FUNCTIONS

Author(s): Adrian MIREA
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: joint functions; joint functions framework; HIMARS; fire support; capability;
Summary/Abstract: This paper highlights the utility of a joint functions framework in thoroughly understanding the influence that an available capability can have on the operation. The article also argues the idea that a joint functions framework can be also used to identify deficiencies or new requirements for the entire force structure in direct relation to its mission statement and objectives. The joint functions framework can also be used to analyze available capabilities for the enemy or for other relevant actors present in the operational environment. For these purposes, I considered a recently acquired fire support capability that received worldwide attention in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). After reviewing the fundamentals of a joint functions framework in the first part of the paper, I focused on the impact of equipping national force structures with HIMARS systems on planning and conducting operations. The article argues by example the possibility of using the joint functions framework to thoroughly understand the full potential of a current or prospective national force capability. In doing so I also highlighted a modern conflict relevance for the acquired M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), thus creating a detailed perspective of their operational potential. The article also contains a perspective on equipping national force structures with HIMARS systems, materialized in a SWOT analysis, that highlights basic advantages and disadvantages of these platforms.

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