Learning Area 1:  The Joint/Combined Force Environment

• Analyze the changed nature of operations for a joint/combined force commander, vis-à-vis a Service or functional component commander, identifying fundamental differences in the way a joint/combined force commander must think about the environment as its nature and complexity changes.
• Categorize operational-level lessons learned from the full spectrum of recent major operations in order to evaluate them with regard to potential future operations.
• Assess the transformational concepts, including effects-based operations, command and control enhancements, and special operations forces integration, which will be employed in future operations.
• Evaluate methods to more effectively apply the Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) instruments of national power to influence a potential adversary’s Political, Military, Economic, Social, Infrastructure, and Information (PMESII) elements.

Learning Area 2:  Building the Joint/Combined Force

• Examine the impact of effects-based thinking across the spectrum of joint/combined force operations.
• Evaluate specific enablers such as effects-based planning, information/knowledge management, and battle rhythm flexibility which support the commander’s decision cycle.
• Develop alternative planning and forming options by applying transformational concepts to traditional planning, forming, and manning options.
• Formulate processes to further the understanding of, identify the challenges associated with, and effectively blend the art (synergy) and science (synchronization) of commanding joint/combined forces.
• Create an understanding of and appreciation for translating national objectives and policies into objectives and effects, clearly articulating the integrated tactical actions to achieve those objectives.

Learning Area 3:  Commanding the Joint/Combined Force

• Analyze the impact of strategic communications and information operations on unity of effort and the achievement of national objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies which mitigate the challenges of the “death of time and distance” with regard to battlespace.
• Appraise various issues related to deployment, employment, and sustainment of forces from the perspective of the joint/combined force commander.
• Evaluate command and control challenges facing the joint/combined force commander, including the personalities of external principals (DOD, interagency, and international), transitions, and Commander’s Critical Information Requirements.
• Discuss and construct potential solutions to seams a joint/combined force commander may face, which could include interfaces with key Service, interagency, multinational, and functional combatant commander representatives.
• Evaluate key national authority and Rules of Engagement issues which could impact the joint/combined force, including national policies and prerogatives, information sharing, and Titles.

Learning Area 4:  The DJ7 Joint Coalition Warfighting and the Inter-Agency, National Command Authority, the National Military Strategy and the Congress

• Conduct open dialog with key Joint Staff members to understand the strategic view of the National Military Strategy and the required integration of the DJ7 JCW in the Inter-Agency process with its competing interests and diverse viewpoints. Included in these discussions will be an update on current operational issues.
• Discuss with key State Department Officials the role of the DJ7 JCW in all phases of operations specifically focused on inter-agency planning and the multitude of non-governmental organizations involved in execution of the of National Objectives and policies.
• Obtain an overarching view of the intelligence services and interface with the National Intelligence community leadership to understand support for fielded forces from a strategic perspective.
• Meet with members of the key Congressional committees to discuss National Security issues from the Congressional perspective to include funding and the will of the American people as articulated by their representatives.
• Interface with the Secretary of Defense to understand the department’s view of the Unified Commander, the DJ7 JCW and the interface and responsibilities those commanders have to the National Command Authority.