Beneficial or Buzzword: Can Operational Commanders Use Measures of Effectiveness During Counter-Insurgencies
Abstract
The 21st Century U.S. security environment requires a JFC to be prepared to operate in a counterinsurgency environment. This paper recommends that a JFC use measures of effectiveness (MOR) to determine if his conventional military forces in a counterinsurgency environment are attaining the desired results. Research identified several recurring areas where operational level conventional military force can be used in a counterinsurgency. Three of these areas were selected for discussions; isolation of the insurgency, seizing and maintaining the initiative, and establishing and maintaining security. The discussed areas provided context and were then used to develop and recommend baseline MOR. The vast scope of counterinsurgencies and the numerous permutations of employment options for conventional military force at the operational level preclude a comprehensive listing. Additional, mission specific measures can be developed by using the sample framework or developing a similar one. The information provided by the MOR tool can help the JFC integrate the full-spectrum of military force actions and, when combined with the other elements of power at the three levels of war, lead to the development and execution of a comprehensive and complementary counterinsurgency campaign plan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA425925
Entities
People
- Duffy W. White
Organizations
- Naval War College