Publication

This paper discusses the traditional importance of unity of command in US doctrine and practice from World War I until the 21st century. It argues that this principle has been forsaken in the evolution of military command for Afghanistan. The author examines the unprecedented departure from the principle of unity of command in Afghanistan in 2006. He argues for a renewal of understanding of the importance of unity of command, and recommends that the United States revert to the application of this principle by amending the Unified Command Plan to invest one "supreme commander" with responsibility for the Operation Enduring Freedom Joint Operations Area.