A Comparative Assessment of Navy Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) Process and Joint Staff Capability Gap Assessment Process as Related to Pacific Command (PACOM) Integrated Priority List Submission

Abstract

This study sought to address whether acquisition is responsive to Combatant Command (COCOM) needs by comparing a responsive system (the Navy's Future Naval Capabilities [FNC] process) to the Joint Staff (JS)/COCOM process, using Pacific Command (PACOM) as an example. Recognizing different end-states ascribed to both processes, we compared the two processes in terms of gap identification and development common to both. We concluded that while the JS/PACOM system attempts to be responsive, current practices (e.g., informal tracking mechanisms) prevent an authoritative evaluation of responsiveness. We provided key insights into FNC practices that enhance responsiveness and offered recommendations for improving the JS/PACOM process.