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Don Shepperd: Qatar an important exercise for U.S. military
By Retired Maj. Gen. Don Shepperd
(CNN) -- Qatar is a Connecticut-sized country, population just under 800,000, on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, just southeast of Bahrain, 600 miles south of Baghdad -- a location few Americans can point to on a map. However, it has suddenly assumed greater importance in the war on terrorism. Qatar is the site of Exercise Internal Look, an exercise some say is a "prelude to war" (in Iraq). Is the exercise a dry run for war, or not? War is not imminent, and the exercise is not a "prelude," but rather an important headquarters staff exercise designed to allow Gen. Tommy Franks, the Central Command (CENTCOM) commander to test his new CDHQ, or CENTCOM deployable headquarters. In place of skies full of airplanes and fields full of troops and tanks, the exercise will test capabilities to command, control and communicate with troops in a vast, 25-nation area through electrons, using computers, satellite hookups and video-teleconferences. The new deployable headquarters is a collection of climate-controlled, highly sophisticated modular buildings with secure communications housing a headquarters staff in the same fashion as CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The idea is to be able to conduct operations from Qatar (or any other location) in the same fashion as (from) Tampa without missing a beat. But, why does Franks need a new deployable headquarters when he already has a robust facility from which to operate in Saudi Arabia? First, although command of forces can be done through "reachback" in the computer age, every commander wants to be close to the action, to be able to feel the tempo of battle and interact firsthand with subordinate commanders. Also, there has been confusing rhetoric coming from Saudi Arabia about the ability of the United States to use its bases and airspace. The new CDHQ will act as an alternate facility should the Saudi headquarters become unusable for any reason. Testing the ability to command and control troops from a new location is prudent. The new facility can be left in place or moved to another location. Likewise, the staff can remain in place. But it takes more than a facility and staff to wage war. It takes troops and equipment, troops and equipment that are not yet in place in the theater. It will take some time, even with pre-positioned stocks, to move forces to the area. In addition to testing command-and-control capabilities, Exercise Internal Look carries important diplomatic messages: First, a strong message to (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein that the United States is relentless, serious and "here" with the ability to react quickly and conduct military action. Second, it carries a message to the United Nations and world community that the United States is relentless in demanding "full" compliance and "tough" inspections in accordance with the U.N. resolution. Finally, there is a subtle message to Saudi Arabia that the United States has other friends and alternatives in the area should Saudi bases or airspace become unavailable. What's in this for Qatar? Qatar is a small, rich country with very minimal military capabilities. Having a big brother in a tough neighborhood is always a good idea. Once the exercise is complete, will the CENTCOM staff remain in place to conduct military operations? Unknown. However, at the completion of Internal Look, Franks and the CENTCOM staff will have field-tested their equipment, scenarios and plans, and discovered many problems and shortcomings. They should be ready if called. Much depends upon what happens with the Iraqi "declarations," and to paraphrase President Bush ... the rest may be up to Saddam Hussein. Air Force Major General (Ret.) Don Shepperd is a military analyst for CNN. Prior to retirement, Shepperd led the Air National Guard, commanding over 110,000 personnel, 1400 aircraft, 88 flying units, and 250 support units.
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