Objectives and Success - Linking National Policy Objectives and Military Strategic Objectives to Achieve Success.

Abstract

Clearly defined political objectives enable commanders to focus military strategic objectives to attain success. To better understand this relationship between national policy goals and the successful application of military power to achieve them, this study examines U.S. operations in Korea, Somalia, and the Persian Gulf. In each case, the paper identifies the link between clear objectives and success, or explores the correlation between ambiguous and/or changing objectives and failure. The paper concludes that political leaders must develop and articulate clear, attainable, consistent objectives. Commanders must define military objectives that achieve the political goals. This may involve developing parameters that narrow and provide focus to broad political objectives. Finally, military and political leaders must constantly discuss and coordinate their objectives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 1996
Accession Number
ADA308549

Entities

People

  • William D. Ivey

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Civil War
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Doctrine
  • Economic Sanctions
  • Foreign Relations
  • Governments
  • Military Operations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Security
  • United States
  • United States Central Command
  • War
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies