Colombia Challenge: Elements of Operational Art and the Three Wars
Abstract
In unconventional conflict, or what has come to be known as "military operations other than war, (MOOTW), it is essential that planners first understand the complex nature of any such situation. This is the first critical step in operational planning, for if the nature of the conflict is misinterpreted, faulty planning cascades and the consequences can be disastrous. There are many traditional tools used for planning of military operations, but are those same tools applicable to MOOTW? Situations like the current counter-drug operations in Colombia fall into the realm of MOOTW, which by its nature presents challenges to traditional operational planning. But Colombia is also dealing with an insurgency bent on overthrowing the government, and illegal paramilitarles operating against the insurgents. Current U.S. policy with respect to Colombia is centered on counter drug operations and prohibits U.S. military personnel from becoming involved in the counterinsurgency effort. Despite the fact this is national policy, it is fundamentally flawed, and the planner cannot focus on counter drug operations and not take into account the insurgents and paramilitaries. This paper attempts to apply operational art in the traditional sense to the complex situation in Colombia, taking into account the drug traffickers, the insurgents and the paramilitaries and examines the complex challenges facing the operational planner in building a plan for Colombia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA389610
Entities
People
- Ellis W. Bowler
Organizations
- Naval War College