The Military Instrument of Power in Small Wars: The Case of El Salvador.
Abstract
This monograph discusses the role the American military instrument of power played in supporting the government of El Salvador during its battle against rebel forces during the period 1980-1992. The U.S. provided extensive military, political and economic assistance to the Salvadoran government during this period. This study determines the specific contributions of the U.S. military assistance. This study first examines the geographic, economic, and political background of El Salvador. It then examines the course of the Salvadoran revolution, with emphasis on the American military involvement. Next, it analyzes the specific contributions the U.S. military made in supporting the Salvadoran government. Finally, this monograph highlights the unique contributions of the U.S. military instrument of power and also the military lessons learned from the involvement in El Salvador. This evaluation of the military instrument of power, and the lessons learned from its use in El Salvador, help provide insight into the potential uses of the military instrument of power in future 'small wars'.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314772
Entities
People
- Bobby R. Pinkston
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College