Strategic Forum. Number 218, November 2005. Constabulary Forces and Postconflict Transition: The Euro-Atlantic Dimension
Abstract
There is a growing need for an international paramilitary police force that can fill the security gap between the end of military combat, peace support, relief operations, and the start of restoration of civil authority. Several governments of the European Union (i.e., France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and The Netherlands), drawing on longstanding paramilitary national police forces, are creating a multinational European Gendarmerie Force (EGF), which could fill some of the security gap. With a permanent headquarters based in Italy, the EGF would act as light expeditionary forces, configured to serve both as keepers of public order (so-called substitution missions) and as advisers and trainers of local police (strengthening missions). The United States needs to consider the best way to develop these kinds of capabilities, which it does not possess today. While the American military should retain its multimission character, the U.S. objective should be a mix of capabilities that allow for a seamless shift from ground combat to operations of a law enforcement character. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union should establish liaison and training relationships that allow for regular military forces, constabulary forces, and civilian police and law enforcement officials to explore techniques, training, and procedures for stabilization missions that permit adoption of best practices and facilitate coordination, cooperation, and planning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444963
Entities
People
- Anne M. Moisan
- David T. Armitage Jr.
Organizations
- National Defense University