Combatant Commander's Challenges for Termination: CENTCOM and Operational Design for Post IRAQ Stability
Abstract
The United States is on the verge of war with a critical world as the peanut gallery. Right or wrong, in the world's eyes, success will not be measured by the disarmament of an unpredictable menace, but by the stability in and around Iraq following any conflict. In many ways, history has not smiled upon the termination of most conflicts. However, in this instance, it is only the United States who will be criticized as unable to learn from past mistakes. Sadly, factors contributing to successive conflicts often develop from poor resolution of problematic issues following the last conflict. Too often, operational commanders are simply trying to end bloodshed without considering necessary conditions that must follow. These requisite conditions are not given necessary attention with potentially precarious results. In order to best understand the combatant commander's challenges to this end, this paper will analyze historical examples as well as current obstacles faced by General Franks for a stable post-war Iraq. We will then recommend planning considerations, which General Franks and his staff should address. These include methods to integrate elements of national power specifically for the pre-hostilities, hostilities and post-hostilities phases of conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA415620
Entities
People
- Preston W. Jones
Organizations
- Naval War College