Strategy, Policy and Contingency Planning. The US Defense Planning Process.
Abstract
There is concern that the US defense planning process has difficulty in translating national-level policy guidance into viable defense contingency plans which, if implemented, produce winning outcomes. Some of the concerns center on the planning outcomes such as those achieved during the abortive mission to rescue the American hostages in Iran; the 1975 Mayaguez rescue operation; the 1970 North Vietman Sontay prison raid to free US prisoners of war; the Beirut terrorist bombing where 241 servicemen were killed; and even the successful 1983 Grenada invasion hailed as a success, yet faulted for major command and intelligence lapses. The study analyzed the current defense planning process; its current day viability; its relationship with National Command Authority guidance; and interviewed key planning officials throughout the Departments of Defense and State, and the National Security Council. It was concluded that the US defense planning process is functioning but not as specifically intended and is in need of corrective action and direction, especially in the area of crisis contingency planning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA148851
Entities
People
- Jared Carlson
- M. J. Sierra
- P. A. King
Organizations
- United States Army War College