Key recommendation 8. A model for running military operations centred on the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) remains the optimum one. In principle, and to simplify roles, the Department should look to make PJHQ responsible for all military operations. The Department should consider whether those operations not currently run by PJHQ should transfer to it. |
10.1 This section sets out our assessment of the top level governance of operations as they impact on the overall operating model. We have specifically looked at the respective roles of the Head Office, PJHQ and the single Services. More detailed analysis of the arrangements for the conduct of operations clearly sits outside the scope both of our work and our experience.
10.2 We understand that the Head Office finds itself drawn towards operational and tactical business that is properly the responsibility of PJHQ and deployed commanders. This concern is common to other areas of departmental business and we have argued that the Head Office as a rule should be focussed more clearly at the strategic level. The Head Office and PJHQ have discrete and supporting roles in the governance of operations and given the importance of these functions (and pressure on resources) these need to be understood more clearly and applied with greater consistency within the Department.