Low Intensity Conflict in Central America - Training Implications for the U.S. Army
Abstract
JCS Pub 2 charges all services to prepare for war and operations short of war. The U.S. Army has further defined operations short of war as military involvement in low intensity conflict. While the Army has made some effort at improving its capability in low intensity conflict, it is clear that preparation for war in Central Europe is the dominant priority and ahs been since the U.S. defeat in Vietnam. The U.S. Army at that time focused its efforts on Central Europe where its management expertise and firepower oriented organization could be justified. In the process, it relegated operations short of war to the fringes of the institution. This view of mechanical, capital intensive operations will fail us in Europe if we ever fight there. In the meantime it is leading us to failure in Low Intensity Conflict and Operations Short of War. The Soviets have been quick to take advantage of the opportunity in Central America presented by U.S. focus on Europe. The successful Cuban revolution by insurgency ahs been constantly improved through trial and error and Soviet logistical support. The result in Nicaragua, is an entrenched Marxist government on the North American continent for the first time in history.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 03, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215801
Entities
People
- Jimmie F. Holt
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College