Joint Conflict Observer Teams: An Old Concept Redefined
Abstract
It is difficult in this day and age to develop an original concept that will be influential, thought provoking, and ultimately become useful to the regional combatant commander and his staff. Sometimes, old concepts redefined make the most sense and offer solutions that may not have been thought of in the first place. Joint Conflict Observer Teams (JCOT) are one such concept. They can provide the commander and his staff with specific information regarding allies, neutrals and belligerents within their theater of operations. These hand-picked teams, organized for a specific task, would provide valuable information and impart lessons learned from observing other countries involved in regional conflicts or as part of the Global War on Terror (GWOT). This paper examines the relevance of redefining an old concept that at one time was common practice in the U.S. Military. The concept of observer teams is a timeless tool that has metamorphosed into something that was never intended: Peace Keeping Observers, instead of conflict observers. The focus has changed over the years from observing, analyzing and reporting on new methods of warfare and tactics to fulfilling U.N. observer tasks relating to Peace Operations. The paper examines historical examples that highlight the relevance and importance of modern day observer teams regionally oriented to the combatant commander. Next is an analysis of how these teams could fill the information gap between different military services that conduct operations with foreign militaries, in order to maintain the initiative in the GWOT.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415434
Entities
People
- John W. Nutt
Organizations
- Naval War College