The Theater Commander: Planning for Conflict Termination
Abstract
The goal of every theater commander during conflict is to bring that conflict to an end on favorable terms. This truth alone makes conflict termination critically important; and yet, history has shown that this task is often misunderstood and seldom executed correctly. This paper discusses the conflict termination responsibilities of the theater commander in broad scope, lists some key considerations that the commander should refer to during conflict planning and execution, discusses the importance of the interagency process for national security policymaking, and most importantly, shows that current doctrine, although improving, remains insufficient in assisting the commander during his important task of planning for conflict termination. Recommendations to current planning processes are made to ensure that the theater commander focuses on conflict termination throughout the spectrum of planning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA448549
Entities
People
- John W. Guthrie
Organizations
- United States Army War College