Military

What Insights can we derive from Operation Anaconda regarding the NCO Common Core

Competencies (NCO C3s) of Operations and Communications?

Kenneth P. Mullan

Department of the Army, Fort Bliss

Master Leader Course Class 008-24

MSG Brian Brown

January 12, 2023

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What Insights can we derive from Operation Anaconda regarding the NCO Common Core

Competencies (NCO C3s) of Operations and Communications?

It is imperative that leaders take operations and communications seriously; because the

doctrinal knowledge as well as the ability to apply the requisite skills equate to life and death for

the Soldiers they lead. Fleri et al. (2003) identified the end results of leading without a clear

understanding of the NCO Core Competency (NCO C3) of Operations, specifically the aspect of

shared understanding within the joint operational environment. Operation Anaconda also reveals

how the NCO C3 of Communications, when effectively executed according to doctrine, leads to

successful conduct of large scale operations. This paper analyzes Operation Anaconda Case

Study through the perspectives of operations and communications.

The NCO C3 of Operations

The NCO C3 of Operations is a combination of operational skill sets that, when mastered

by senior leaders can save lives and ensure effective unified action. Some of its key tenets

include: Large-scale combat operations; understanding operational and mission variables;

resolving complex, ill-structured problems with the use of mission command; and understanding

how to integrate the different branches of the military into successful joint operations

(Department of the Army [DA], 2020a). This final principle of conducting joint operations

becomes increasingly important as contemporary conflicts continue to venture further into the

realm of multi-domain warfare (Marr, 2018). In order to execute such a complex task, Joint

Force Commanders (JFC) must “integrate, synchronize, and direct joint operations” through the

use of seven Joint Functions (Joint Chiefs of Staff [JCS], 2017, p. III-1). One of these functions,

command and control, is how the JFC directs the forces toward accomplishment of the mission,

and its essential task is to “Communicate and ensure the flow of information across the staff and

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joint force” (JCS, 2017, p. III-2). This task is critical to the creation of a shared understanding,

which allows the separate branches to work seamlessly together toward a common goal. The

absence of this unifying component hinders missions and increases casualties.

Case Study Example

In the case study of Operation Anaconda, JFC Major General (MG) Hagenbeck failed to

create such a shared understanding with his subordinate Air Force assets, which contributed to

increasing the amount of casualties his forces incurred. Although the warning order was

published on 6 January, MG Hagenbeck did not notify the Combined Force Air Component

Commander of Operation Anaconda until 23 February, just days before the operation began

(Fleri et al., 2003).

Insights Derived from the Example

This failure to ensure the flow of information across the joint force, caused downstream

effects in planning and preparation that led to diminished air support during the initial stages of

the operation. As noted by Lambeth (2005) in his comprehensive analysis, “because so little air

support had been requested…coalition troops entered the fight virtually unprotected by any

preparatory and suppressive fire” (pp. 204-205). Operation Anaconda provides a clear case of

how proficiency in the realm of Operations can result in fewer U.S. casualties. Alongside the

importance of the leadership competency is the communication competency.

The NCO C3 of Communications

The NCO C3 of Communications is the figurative string that connects all NCO C3s

together and is the basis for the overall impression and judgement of a leader. Different types of

communication include verbal, non-verbal, written, listening, visual, response and feedback,

collaborative, and many others. Communication is something that everyone does, whether

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deliberate or instinctual; it can be something as subtle as a gesture when walking past someone,

or as complex as a written manual. All good leaders are good communicators who use the

various forms of communication in positive ways, as in interpreting and applying the concepts of

Army doctrine. Leaders at all echelons know how to use the abundance of Army doctrinal and

regulatory publications to help them succeed in their implied and directed tasks. As an example,

a squad leader who wants to know how to properly counsel a Soldier would rely on the Army

Training Publication (ATP), The counseling process (ATP 6-22.1), found on the Army

Publishing Directorate website. As an example, the Department of Army (2014) states that

effective leaders and counselors will talk less and spend more time listening. Although this

concept is simple, it is profoundly important to counseling and other communication forums for

a leader. Many Army publications, like ATP 6-22.1, specifically help leaders understand

communication and ways to enhance their communicative ability in their specific military

occupational specialties (MOSs).

Case Study Example

Another example Army publication that illustrates important communication techniques

is the signal support to operations (FM 6-02) publication which “describes how signal Soldiers

support Army forces as they shape operational environments, prevent conflict, conduct large-

scale combat operations, and consolidate gains against a peer threat in joint operations” (DA,

2019, p. V). During Operation Anaconda Case Study, leaders were responsible for conducting

Satellite Communications (SATCOM) in order to order to effectively transmit messages on the

battlefield across vast distances. Specifically, the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF)

headquarters was miles away from their field elements but was able to exercise regular

situational reports (SITREPs), Medical Evacuations (MEDEVACs) and Close Air Support

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(CAS) requests, with minimal delays or interruption to operations. The leaders and Soldiers who

operated the SATCOMs were proficient with knowledge from their respective Army doctrine,

which allowed them to enhance operational effectiveness, while saving lives and leading to

mission accomplishment (Fleri et al., 2003). Other key players were also evident to mission

accomplishment during Operation Anaconda, like the Special Operations Liaison Element

(SOLE), which was critical for bridging the communication gap between high visibility

operations and covert operations (Fleri et al., 2003).

Insights Derived from the Example

Based on all of this information, it is clear why leaders must be familiar with how to

communicate in various forms. From a simple handshake when meeting someone new to a

detailed CAS request, leaders must continually learn and improve on communication skills

through training and education to maximize the chance for mission success and to save lives.

Conclusion

There are many useful insights to be gleaned from the Operation Anaconda Case study

that directly apply to the NCO C3s of Operations and Communications. One leader’s failure to

create shared understanding within the operational environment led to lack of air support and

increased U.S. casualties. Collectively leaders and Soldiers who were proficient in doctrinal

knowledge and able to clearly communicate in a variety of forms, saved lives and effectively

accomplished the mission. Master Sergeants and First Sergeants can apply the lessons learned to

ensure they lead high performing teams on the battlefield and in garrison.

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References

Department of the Army. (2014). The Army counseling process (ATP 6-22.1).

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/atp6_22x1.pdf

Department of the Army. (2019). Signal support to operations (FM 6-02).

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN19185_FM%206-

02_FINAL_WEB.pdf

Department of the Army. (2020a). The Noncommissioned Officer Guide (TC 7-22.7).

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22x7%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf

Department of the Army. (2020b). Techniques for satellite communications (ATP 6-02.54).

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160457-910

Lambeth, B.S. (2005). Air power against terror: America’s conduct of Operation Enduring

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Marr, S. (2018). Stability in Multi-Domain Battle. U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability

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