FM 19-40: Enemy Prisoners of War, Civilian Internees and Detained Persons. Doctrine in Need of Revision. Anyone Listening? Anyone Care?
Abstract
Historically, prisoners of war have placed tremendous burdens on capturing units and logistical systems. Numerous World War I and II after-action reports cite the lack of planning for enemy prisoners of war (EPW) operations as a major shortfall. Such planning failures had the very real potential of adversely affecting the outcome of several decisive battles and campaigns. With very minor differences, today's enemy prisoners of war doctrine is but a carry- over of the World War II experience. 'Doctrine in Need of Revision - Anyone Listening, Anyone Care?' is a critical review of today's EPW doctrine as contained in FM 19-40. Through selected points of argument, the study critically examines areas in conflict: the compatibility of EPW doctrine to the Airland Battle; our inability to execute the EPW mission under current doctrine without significant degradation of other essential missions; the need for innovative solutions to the problems that are not parochial, but serve the betterment of the whole; the recognition that there are major disconnects between the prime players in the EPW arena--Military Police, Military Intelligence, Transportation, and the Health Services; and lastly, the identification of force structure shortfalls that impact on EPW operations in the corps and division. Keywords: Reports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 02, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA222368
Entities
People
- H. P. Mansky
Organizations
- United States Army War College