Culminating Points in Peace Operations.
Abstract
The end of the Cold War and the shift in threat from global war to diverse, dispersed conflicts have necessitated a change in the role of the United States (U.S.) armed forces. Today's U.S. military is more regionally focused, and is increasingly involved in peace operations and other Military Operations Other Than War. This paper presents the hypothesis that the concept of the culminating point, a concept traditionally tied to combat, exists for peace operations. As a basis for this hypothesis, a historical analysis of culminating points in, and the effect on, past military operations is provided. Finally, this paper serves to introduce possible culminating points in the ongoing Bosnian peacekeeping operation and provides cautions for our military commanders to consider. The Bosnian peacekeeping operation is unique, in that it is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) first ever coalition operation with non-NATO countries. It is also inherently dangerous, given its location in a historically very volatile area of the world. The military commander must maintain a solid grip of the special considerations this peacekeeping operation holds, to ensure attainment of the objective, peace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 12, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307556
Entities
People
- Barbara A. Strickland
Organizations
- Naval War College