Exit Strategy: Where Does It Fit into Operational Planning?
Abstract
Ideally, conflict resolution is supposed to result in a better peace, which allows U.S. forces to exit at some designated point after hostilities terminate. Therefore, exit strategy must be inextricably linked to the intervention decision, not merely planned as an afterthought. The salient points of several case studies are used to examine how a lack of focus on exit strategy can affect the success of U.S. military disengagements, and in some cases, even the extent to which national objectives are accomplished. U.S. intervention in Haiti serves as a case study that points toward the advantages of planning an exit strategy in conjunction with the rest of the operation. To maintain the attention of commanders and planners exit strategy considerations should be embedded throughout the operational planning and execution process. This way the questions concerning what the exit strategy is and how it relates to the concept of operations can be continuously and systematically evaluated throughout. Otherwise, exit strategy considerations are too easily buried in the dynamics of planning and executing hostilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA401833
Entities
People
- Gregory C. Johnson
Organizations
- Naval War College