Winning the Peace: How Can the Military More Effectively and Efficiently Integrate Civilians in Post-Conflict Operations to Achieve Stability

Abstract

The long, drawn out wars of Iraq and Afghanistan have proved the need for quick stabilization of conflict areas. In Iraq, initial plans were to withdraw a large majority of troops months into the operation, but a stable environment required almost a decade to achieve. Stabilization in such a scenario requires Political, Social, Justice, Economic and Security needs to be met. The military has not been equipped to meet these needs by themselves and required civilian agencies and organizations to help accomplish that goal. These civil-military operations (CMO) must be properly integrated at the outset to be successful. Considering the constrained funding environment of the US, this research report sought to answer the question, How can the military more effectively and efficiently integrate civilians in post-conflict operations to achieve stability? Using the problem/solution framework, four solutions to improve civil-military integration were evaluated: Standing Joint Interagency Task Forces (JIATFs), use of Phase IV (stability) objectives for the military's end-state, creation of interorganizational positions and use of wargaming for stability operations. Each was evaluated using cost, schedule and performance as determinate factors where cost and schedule corresponded to efficiency and performance with effectiveness. The research concluded that planning for a Phase IV end-state and wargaming were the most efficient and effective solutions and recommended them for immediate implementation. Based on recent conflicts, the military must not only be focused on winning the war, but also winning the peace.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1053904

Entities

People

  • Christopher C. Day

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Agreements
  • Air Force
  • Civil Affairs
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Governments
  • Interagency Coordination
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Students
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies