Cooperative Forces: Background, Precedents, and Problems.
Abstract
U.S. capability to meet the Soviet Bloc threat in the third world is constrained by political as well as operational factors. One way to relieve these constraints is to encourage third world countries sharing our interests to develop Cooperative Forces which would act in concert with the U.S. to contain communist aggression and to support indigenous efforts to replace communist governments. Participation by other nations' forces could expand U.S. military resources so that third world interventions do not critically weaken our strength in other areas. Public attention and pressure may also be diminished by participation of allies. However, Cooperative force receiving U.S support may be subject to Congressional scrutiny in such areas as human rights. These countries will also have contend with their own internal public opinion regarding cooperation with the U.S. Comparison of mercenary troops in the 18th and 19th centuries with Cooperative Forces points to some potential problems with foreign troops and joint commands such as shared equipment and logistics, pay rates, and antagonism between potential partners. Another analog is the UN peacekeeping mission. Disengagement has been a problem for UN peacekeeping missions and may cause trouble for Cooperative Forces as well. Keywords: Joint military activities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA168879
Entities
People
- Katharine A. Watkins
Organizations
- RAND Corporation