Transformation and the Future of Post-Conflict Operations: Lessons from Our Nation's Past

Abstract

In the aftermath of the United States led attack that disposed Saddam Hussein serious questions have been raised as to the preparations for post-conflict operations. The major conflict itself lasted a mere three weeks but since then delays in restoring pre-conflict civilian services and security have raised questions as to the preparedness of both the American government and its military to win the peace. Post-conflict and counterinsurgency operations actually begin during combat operations. Transformation efforts specifically in this case the United States Army are attempting to ensure the army is organized, equipped, and trained to conduct full spectrum operations successfully and throughout all phases of operations, including the post-conflict phase. This paper examines what post-conflict operations' lessons learned should be incorporated into the transformation efforts of the United States military. It does so by reviewing the Philippine War, the Second World War, and a critical lesson from the Korean War.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 19, 2004
Accession Number
ADA424160

Entities

People

  • Robert R. Naething

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil War
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Information Operations
  • International Organizations
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Second World War
  • Students
  • United States
  • Urban Areas
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • History
  • Sociology

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.