Building Leaders and Staffs: Ensuring Mastery of the Non-Major Combat Aspects of War
Abstract
The leadership development and professional education system since the end of the Cold War has been a key factor in many U.S. battlefield victories. Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and the major combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom were all decisive victories. The United States is extremely effective at major combat operations. The U.S. Military is capable of engaging and defeating any military foe. Joint doctrine, infrastructure, superior weapons and communications technology, and extensive training capabilities combine to make this happen. However, the ability to bring about decisive results in the non-major combat portions within the full Range of Military Operations (ROMO) has not been as successful. The decisive actions are not always those involving major combat operations in terms of ultimately achieving national objectives. The current system is very adept at producing leaders and organizations capable of major combat, but less effective in the other areas. The complexity of the current operating environment (COE) requires a military leadership that is developed and educated throughout the ranks that can plan, coordinate, and execute effectively in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). This monograph is an exploration of why changes in leadership development and education are essential to success in MOOTW. First, the many facets of the COE are discussed. Next, the shortfalls of the current leader development and education models are presented as they relate to the COE. Three areas are covered: officer ascension programs, junior officer development, and the role of joint and interagency operations. Initiatives and policies that are currently in force are described. Finally, recommendations are presented that will meet the requirements of broad and continuous leader development and education with a goal of producing leaders who can command across the entire range of military operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435930
Entities
People
- John-michael Jones
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College