Mutual Confidence to Continue: Integrated Reconstitution in Multinational Operations
Abstract
Reconstitution is a vital set of activities that commanders and staffs must prepare to execute in order to sustain endurance of combat power in large scale combat operations. In the context of multinational operations, the necessity for the US Army to plan and execute reconstitution as part of a multinational force is significant. A multinational force structure provides unique opportunities for contributing nations to integrate capabilities and resources with partner nations to fulfill reconstitution efforts. However, multinational operations also feature obstacles that can inhibit integration, such as language and cultural differences, doctrine, and national caveats. This monograph argues that US Army and partner nation forces were able to conduct integrated reconstitution by fostering a quality of cohesion that General Dwight D. Eisenhower termed "mutual confidence." Using current US Army reconstitution doctrine as a lens, this monograph studies two historical cases of integrated reconstitution: the 93rd Division in the First World War, and the Mars Task Force in the Second World War. This monograph then uses the concept of mutual confidence to evaluate how operational and tactical-level commanders of each nation cooperated to fulfill reconstitution efforts. Finally, this monograph offers recommendations for developing a multinational approach to integrated reconstitution operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1159470
Entities
People
- John T. O'connell
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College