Operations Other Than War: Who Says Warriors Don't Do Windows? (Maxwell Paper, Number 13)
Abstract
This study examines the rise of Operations Other Than War (OOTW) as a new and prominent tasking for the armed services of the United States. What force structure could both be ready to fight wars (destroy houses) and resolve conflicts short of War (clean windows)--to do such chores as nation building, counterdrug operations, counterterrorist operations, arms control,and peace operations? This study analyzes the implications of the apparent paradigm shift in what civilian leaders require of the U.S. military instrument of power. With the Cold War over, the national security strategy includes the reaffirmation of democracy as a primary objective and the promotion of global free market economics to consolidate and strengthen democratic gains. Achieving these ends requires a peaceful process for resolving societal conflicts, generating needed reforms, and making transitions in governments. Since the U.S. has no major military threat in the short term, nonvital and often humanitarian concerns are consuming larger portions of its military budgets and personnel. This study argues that this new emphasis is a viable and relevant focus for the country and that the military clearly has the duty, competency, and capability to shoulder these roles and missions. The study addresses why the U.S. military can do these chores, despite contrary arguments, and who within the Armed Forces is already doing these extraordinary missions and can continue to do them without compromising operational readiness or fiscal parameters. The OOTW mission requires a new cooperation and coordination with national and international nonmilitary agencies, organizations, and coalitions to achieve its objectives. The Special Operations Command, which has the skill and will to serve well in the full spectrum of armed conflict, also has the cultural, social, and technical know-how to perform the more complex chores of nation building and humanitarian operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA347950
Entities
People
- Charles W. Hasskamp
Organizations
- Air War College