The Ballistic Missile Dilemma for the Operational Commander
Abstract
The war with Iraq has shown the lethality and potential impact that the presence of ballistic missiles and non-conventional warheads may have in a region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the proliferation of ballistic missiles and the impact that this will have on the operational commander and his planning. The proliferation of missiles in the Third World is analyzed by examining the reasons why countries proliferate, how they procure their programs, and what the threat is. The associated area of space systems is also investigated to show how the two developments may be interrelated. Next, the impact that the presence of missiles pose on the planning and conduct of operations by the commander are explored. Finally, the possible options that the commander has in responding to the threat are analyzed. Even though the threat is very real and a major consideration in crises or conflicts, the commander does have some viable options in dealing with it. He must be aware of the capabilities and limitations of the threat and the political and military impact of its potential use and incorporate these considerations into his planning process. Third World; Proliferation; Motivation; Acquisition; Ballistic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249851
Entities
People
- Frank K. Martin
Organizations
- Naval War College