JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

Chapter VI
(3) Joint concept development and assessment is focused on mitigating DOD’s
highest joint force development needs. Using joint force development priorities as
determined by the CJCS, CCMDs and Services identify and nominate proposals to solve
current or anticipated capability gaps annually via the Comprehensive Joint Assessment.
Once nominated these proposals are consolidated, reviewed, and assigned a proposed
priority. A proposed list of projects and associated priority are reviewed by the Joint
Capabilities Board and forwarded to the JROC for approval. Upon approval by the JROC
this list becomes the joint concept development and experimentation annual program of
work.
(4) Joint concepts are developed collaboratively to ensure that a wide range of
ideas and perspectives are considered for developing a deep understanding of the problem
and generating options for solving that problem. Military leaders and other subject matter
experts from a variety of backgrounds collectively assess the challenge and identify potential
solutions. The process employs a systematic methodology for incorporating real-world
observations, concerns, or issues as well as consideration of a wide range of innovative ideas
for more effective future operations.
(5) Joint concepts are rigorously evaluated. Joint concepts are objectively
evaluated to ensure that proposed solutions will enable the joint force to successfully
overcome the operational challenges the concept was intended to address. The validation
process involves testing the ideas during development; first in assessments under controlled
environments and then in operational environments, such as exercises.
c. Joint Concept Assessment. A joint assessment is an analytical activity based on
unbiased trials conducted under controlled conditions within a representative environment, to
validate a concept, hypothesis, discover something new, or establish knowledge. Results of
an assessment are reproducible and provide defensible analytic evidence for joint force
development decisions. Assessments and wargames provide the means to determine the
efficacy of proposed capability to challenges, problems, and issues facing CCMDs, Services,
agencies, and MNFs.
(1) Joint assessment uses a variety of methodologies to develop and evaluate
capabilities to mitigate the joint force’s most pressing challenges. These various approaches
enable joint force development by increasing understanding, developing knowledge, or
improving capabilities. These approaches range from discovery events, workshops, and
seminars to hypothesis testing and demonstrations. Regardless of the approach the goal is to
produce operationally relevant, credible, defensible, and sustainable joint capabilities.
(2) Joint assessment is planned and executed in a collaborative five phase cycle.
This cycle uses a find, plan, experiment, finish, and exploit process model, incorporating
continuous project and program assessment.
d. Influence of Joint Concepts and Assessment
(1) Joint concepts and validated results from joint assessments are deliberately
transitioned to non-materiel capability development systems to become sustainable joint
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