Convergence Theory

By MAJ Brandt Murphy and MG (Ret.) Richard Longo

Article published on: June 1, 2024 in Field Artillery 2024 Issue 1

Read Time: < 7 mins

I. Introduction.

Convergence is one of four tenets of operations aside from agility, endurance and depth. Field Manual 3-0, Operations, defines it as “an outcome created by the concerted employment of capabilities from multiple domains and echelons against combinations of decisive points in any domain to create effects against a system, formation, decision maker, or in a specific geographic area.”¹ What is concerning, however, is that units at echelon continue to struggle with not only achieving convergence but also and more importantly, understanding convergence (i.e., the what and why). Organizations unfortunately succumb to the notion of describing convergence as “fancy massing” or as an outcome of creating effects on a singular point on the battlefield through multiple delivery methods (e.g., surface-to-surface in conjunction with air-to-surface). Toward enhancing such understanding, this article expands the conversation and describes both the “what” and “why” of convergence. It also highlights critical core concepts required for convergence operations. It does not, however, prescribe “how” convergence is achieved – such an endeavor remains for a later date.

Fig. 1: Domains and dimensions of an operational environment. (FM 3-0, OCT 22).

II. What & Why of Convergence.

The general principles of convergence form its “what” and “why.” First, the “what” of convergence is a determinant of those outcomes that are produced as effects (primarily cognitive), as well as affects (physical, or substantially tangible) – henceforward denoted as “xffects,” when coupled. Convergence as a result of the outcome of xffects within each of the five domains (cyberspace, space, air, land and maritime) creates conditions by which the enemy is forced to account for both physical and cognitive dilemmas at multiple decisive points. Simultaneously striking physical and cognitive objectives by impacting them produces a paralyzing effect on the opposing force.² The enemy psyche (command & control function), therefore, is hamstrung to the point where effective decision- making is diminished, reducing responsiveness to friendly forces’ action within each of the domains. Moreover, such an outcome is achieved in conjunction with xffects within each of the three dimensions (physical, information and human) which impact both friendly and enemy forces for the duration of operations.

Convergence produces concerted employment of capabilities resulting in surprising, effective tactics that accrue advantages over time.³ When executed properly, the overall xffect is greater than the sum of each individual effect. However, this is only achieved when the executing echelon is able to sufficiently balance the principles of war specific to mass, objective and economy of force.⁴ Convergence, then, creates the opportunity for enduring, simultaneous, or sequential individual effects through the synchronization of specific targets and broad effects.⁵ Put simply, impacting several decisive points simultaneously, or in sequence, via concerted xffects results in both physical and cognitive dilemmas that the enemy is forced to address in the current space and time. Ultimately, convergence “creates exploitable opportunities that enable freedom of action and mission accomplishment.”⁶

What (is produced)

• Concerted employment of capabilities

• Surprising, effective, tactics that accree advantage over time

• Overall effect that is greater than the sum of each individual effect

• Balance of the principles of mass. objective & economy of force

• Syncs specific targets and broad objectives

• Enduring, simultaneous, or sequential individual effects

• Balance with agility and initiative

As such, we draw assessments of convergence as an output of the results of “what” xffect has been produced (i.e., what have we done and how has that xffected the enemy?).

Second, the “why” of convergence provides its purpose. To that end, xffecting systems, formations, decision-makers, or specific geographic areas enables the executing echelon to accrue advantages over time via the creation of multiple dilemmas, as previously addressed.⁷By broadening the scope of mass, synchronization and combined arms convergence exists to xffect the enemy across time, space and all domains.⁸ Therefore, the purpose of convergence is to achieve unity of purpose and unity of effort through simultaneity, or sequential action, in order to achieve a paralyzing xffect on enemy efforts and decision-making and capability.

Convergence is evaluated through the ways in which the friendly executing echelon and its subordinates are able to maintain the initiative, control tempo and force the enemy to react accordingly.

Why (purpose/to)

• Create effects against systems. formations, decision-makers, specific geographic areas

• Accrue advantages over time

• Create multiple dilemmas

• Broaden the scope of mass, synchronization & combined arms

• Create effects across time, space & domains

• Achieve unity of purpose & unity of effort

• Achieve simultaneity

• Have a paralyzing effect on enemy decision- making

III. Convergence Core Concepts: Integration, Coordination, & Synchronization.

Convergence requires three critical aspects to form its foundation: integration, coordination and synchronization. First, integration, is the arrangement of military forces and their actions required to create a force that operates by engaging as a whole.⁹ Integration is achieved in operations through battle rhythm boards, bureaus, centers, cells and working groups (B2C2WG).

The second critical aspect, coordination, is defined as the act of making parts of something, group of people, etc. work together in an efficient organized way.¹⁰ With the myriad requirements necessary to coordinate military action taken into account, coordination is achieved via battle/ commander updates as well as frequent sessions of commanders’ dialogue. Most importantly, it is the coordination aspect that ties forces to plans (or reactions to the enemy in execution), highlighting where risk can be mitigated or where significant gains can be capitalized upon throughout the operation.

Figure 2: Core Concepts of Convergence

Finally, synchronization is the arrangement of military actions, in time, space and purpose to produce maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time.¹¹ This critical aspect includes two sub-elements necessary to achieve synchronicity, which are simultaneous effects and sequencing effects. Simultaneous effects achieve the result of attacking enemy forces in multiple domains at the same time and across the depth of the enemy’s echelons. Important to note is that simultaneous effects aim to further paralyze the enemy’s decision-making process which, in turn, stymies its most critical lethal and non-lethal capabilities for a limited period of time.

Sequencing effects create dilemmas and opportunities for deception when enemy forces begin to expect a pattern. In other words, by modifying the timings of complimentary effects the executing echelon creates unmitigable uncertainty within the enemy command and control element. It is not to say that adjustments to timings should de-synchronize xffects, only that careful consideration must be taken into account in order to ensure sequencing effects do not de-integrate, de-coordinate, or de- synchronize preapproved operations in time and space with respect to both commander’s intent and subordinates’ disciplined initiative. Plainly stated, organizations must not “surrender the initiative for the sake of synchronization.”¹² For a non-doctrinal quantitative perspective of analysis which may be useful to planners, see Figure 3; wherein Convergence is the outcome of Integration, Coordination and Synchronization modified by x (friendly forces) over y (enemy forces) distributed over Time in conjunction with operational Conditions (risks to mission and risks to force).

Figure 3: Convergence Equation

IV. Convergence Complexity Analogies.

To demystify convergence complexity, consider the analogy of an old-fashioned, analog alarm clock. The clock is comprised of four elements: twelve numbers, an hour hand, a minute hand and a hand for the seconds. As such, the clock’s integration is depicted by the hour hand, coordination by the minute hand and synchronization by the second hand. Organizations that are integrated, solely, are able to successfully achieve operations twelve times per complete evolution (the hour hand is true once per hour). Conversely, organizations that are integrated and coordinated are better yet able to achieve multiple effects, or sixty times per each of the twelve evolutions (given sixty minutes per hour).

It is only when an organization is synchronized, as well as integrated and coordinated, that true convergence is possible as an outcome. In other words, the second hand drives the minute hand which, in turn, actuates the hour hand (e.g., sixty by sixty opportunities throughout twelve evolutions). At this point, operations are occurring in time and space simultaneously in multiple, predetermined domains and dimensions. It is inherent upon the executing echelon to plan when the “alarm” (true convergence) is to be set by the hour, minute and second which will therefore paralyze the enemy’s psyche (command and control facilities) and severely limit its most lethal and non-lethal systems. When the “alarm” is integrated, coordinated and synchronized then convergence is realized from a conceptual perspective.

V. Conclusion.

This article examines the “what” and “why” of convergence toward enhancing understanding at echelon. It is not meant to prescribe “how” to achieve convergence; rather, to expand the conversation on it as one of four tenets of operations. The core concepts denote theoretical aspects, or principles, required for decision- making which account for convergence as an outcome when confronting a near-peer adversary. Therefore, integration, coordination and synchronization are critical given the requirement for organizations to remain acutely cognizant of capabilities available in each domain and dimension.

Convergence is not the result of successfully massing surface-to-surface and air-to-surface effects in conjunction with non-lethal or cyber effects. It is the outcome of impacting several decisive points simultaneously, or in sequence, resulting in both physical and cognitive dilemmas that the enemy must address. The reason we seek convergence is to diminish the enemy’s ability to effectively command and control forces, paralyze decision-making and hinder their ability to employ capabilities aimed at denying the friendly commander’s end state.