Peacekeeping Training in the Army National Guard

Abstract

Should all of the Army National Guard's divisions include peacekeeping tasks in their Mission Essential Task Lists (METL)? Most ARNG units focus their training efforts on traditional combat arms tasks, and only after they receive a peacekeeping mission do they execute pre-deployment PKO proficiency training. Following the model of alert-train-deploy rather than train-alert-deploy places additional stress not only on the deploying unit, but also on external units that are assisting with the mobilization process. FM 7-0, Training the Force, dictates that Army units use the train-alert-deploy model. This study evaluates the arguments for and against the research question by using the criteria of readiness, compliance with Federal directives, and legitimacy. Divisions that regularly train on PKO tasks will sustain the unit's PKO support. Increased proficiency at home station improves readiness. If readiness is better, then the primary research question is supported. The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) dictates that the Army maintain the ability of operating in a full-spectrum environment (from smaller-scale contingencies, or SSCs, to large-scale combat operations); consequently, peacekeeping training in the ARNG should help satisfy this requirement. If units comply with Federal directives, then the primary research question is supported. FM 3-0, Operations, states that in order to achieve objectives, Army forces conducting PKO rely on legitimacy. The legitimacy envisioned by the sponsoring state, nations or international organization is critical to operational success. If legitimacy is better, then the primary research question is supported. The study concludes that ARNG divisions should include peacekeeping tasks in their METL. Recommendations include updating Army peace operations doctrine with new FMs, MTPs and POIs. The new PKSOI at the Army War Col

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 18, 2004
Accession Number
ADA429013

Entities

People

  • Angela D. Ewing

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combat Operations
  • Doctrine
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Students
  • Training
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.