Survey of United States Detainee Doctrine and Experience Since World War II
Abstract
Recent charges of detainee and prisoner mistreatment in the Global War on Terror resulted in numerous investigations, intense media coverage, and international scrutiny. The focus on prisoner of war operations points to one unequivocal fact: detention operations have a profound impact across the strategic, operational, and tactical levels of war. This paper takes a step back and surveys detention operation experience and doctrine from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. The intent of the paper is to reveal both strengths and weaknesses in detention operations over time, and uncover lessons the United States can use to help achieve successful detention operations in the future. The paper shows that there are three overarching aspects to successful detention operations: policy decisions that correctly apply the Geneva Conventions, adequate planning and preparation for prisoner of war operations, and preparation for the national and international media attention that will focus on the United States' treatment of prisoners. There is strategic importance to detention operations which, if mishandled, can undermine the U.S. effort to achieve its national objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449746
Entities
People
- Robert H. Cole
Organizations
- United States Army War College