Expeditionary Diplomacy: POL-MIL Facilitation of AEF Deployments
Abstract
During the Cold War, U.S. Air Force units typically operated either from bases on American territory or from main operating bases (MOBs) in allied countries where access was assured under long-accepted arrangements. In the decade following the end of the Cold War, the number of MOBs abroad has been drastically reduced, and most remaining USAF assets have been pulled back to bases in U.S. territory. Meanwhile, given changes in the international security environment and consequent adjustments in U.S. national security strategy, Air Force units have increasingly been required to deploy to, and operate from, forward locations in many countries outside of the Cold War alliance structure. Under the nascent Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) concept, gaining access to and maintaining positive relations with host countries are prerequisites to successful expeditionary operations. This study was inspired by the view stated at Air University in 1999 by then-Maj Gen Donald U. Cook, first EAF Implementation Director, that "diplomatic preparation of the battlefield" is a neglected concept and enterprise that should receive more attention from EAF architects. As the first and only systematic study of "diplomatic preparation," this Research Paper selectively surveys existing and prospective USAF initiatives that attempt to come to grips with political-military ("pol-mil") challenges associated with expeditionary operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA390964
Entities
People
- William L. Dowdy
Organizations
- Air University