Informing the Debate: The Impact of Operations Other Than War on Combat Training Readiness.
Abstract
Under a National Security Strategy of Engagement and Enlargement, the U.S. Army is likely to deploy more frequently in Operations Other Than War (OOTW) while the post Cold War drawdown enters its final phases. This study explores the impacts of OOTW on the training readiness of these units to conduct combat operations. It is based on a survey instrument distributed to students and faculty members of the U.S. Army War College. The unique density of War College students with OOTW experience in leadership positions provides a fertile basis to explore both benefits and costs associated with OOTW. Respondents answered questions in three distinct categories: (1) predeployment training readiness; (2) training readiness during OOTW, and (3) post deployment training readiness. The core findings of this project are that there are significant, but largely predictable, costs associated with OOTW; that units recovering from OOTW are frequently not afforded adequate time for recovery; and that standard reporting and evaluation means are frequently not used to identify, track and resolve training readiness shortfalls. Resulting pockets of unreadiness are thus more likely to occur as frequency of OOTW deployments increases and force structure and other resources decrease. Specific recommendations are offered to mitigate many of these negative impacts so that such pockets of unreadiness can be prevented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326556
Entities
People
- Alan D. Landry
- Douglas B. Campbell
Organizations
- United States Army War College